Seafarer medical re-examination or exemption from medical examination requirements

If you have had your seafarer medical certificate denied or cancelled you can ask for a re-examination. In exceptional cases, the medical examiner may deviate from the standard examination requirements.

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Re-examination after denial or cancellation

The Verklaring van medische ongeschiktheid (declaration of medical unsuitability) states why you have not passed your medical examination and therefore your seafarer medical certificate has not been issued or has been cancelled. If you disagree you can request a re-examination by a medical examiner who is authorised by the ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat, IenW (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) within 6 weeks of the results. This medical examiner may call in a specialist for further examination.

Exemption for certain health problems

If you previously held a seafarer medical certificate but your health has deteriorated and you do not pass your medical examination or your certificate is suspended, in exceptional cases your medical examiner may decide to request an exemption for you from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate’s (ILT) Medical Advisor Shipping.

If you are granted the exemption, the medical examiner may deviate from the standard examination requirements. For example, if as an experienced seafarer, it is evident that you can still work safely, you may continue to sail but the ILT’s Medical Advisor Shipping may impose certain conditions or restrictions. You may not be allowed to do certain types of work, or not work in certain sailing areas or with certain types of ships. Discuss these conditions with your employer and insurance provider.