What Is a Seafarer Health Report and Why Is It So Important?

Sailing on the open seas, or even simply watching the endless horizon, can evoke a fascinating sense of freedom. Behind this feeling often lies our imagination of new ports, new countries, and new stories beyond the horizon. The maritime profession, among many factors, belongs mostly to those who cannot resist this very feeling. However, before stepping into this new life surrounded by the open seas or even oceans, a seafarer must meet certain requirements.

Knowing maritime work alone is not enough to pursue this profession. A seafarer must also be physically and mentally fit. One of the main reasons for this is that access to healthcare services is not as easy at sea as it is on land. Unlike on land, medical help at sea can be delayed, and reaching a medical facility might take several days. Moreover, harsh weather conditions can test both physical and mental endurance.

For all these reasons, the “Seafarer Health Report” is the first and most important step in every seafarer’s career. This report is an official document issued by authorized health institutions, confirming that the applicant has no physical or psychological condition preventing them from working at sea until the renewal date of the report.

So, where can this report be obtained, what documents are required, how long does it take to receive, and how often should it be renewed? For first-time applicants, the process can seem confusing. Therefore, in this guide, we will explain step by step and clearly answer the most frequently asked questions about the Seafarer Health Report. If you dream of a career at sea, this guide is exactly what you need.

How to get a Seafarer Health Report?

The Seafarer Health Report is a document issued by authorized health institutions to determine whether a person is physically and psychologically fit to perform maritime duties. The first step to obtaining this report is to apply to one of the healthcare institutions authorized by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

The list of authorized hospitals is usually available on the official website of the ministry or provincial health directorates.

Aktif International Üsküdar Hospital is one of the authorized institutions entitled to issue this report.

At the healthcare institution where you make your appointment, you will first undergo a general medical examination. Then, specialists from various departments such as ophthalmology, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), internal medicine, orthopedics, neurology, psychiatry, and cardiology will conduct detailed assessments. All results are then evaluated together, and the outcome will be either “Fit for Sea Service” or “Not Fit for Sea Service.”

If the report concludes positively, you are considered ready to take part in maritime duties. In cases of negative reports, the person has the right to object to the decision within a certain period of time. In such cases, the process is repeated at another hospital, and the content of the report is finalized by a board decision. This final decision is usually binding.

Required Documents for a Seafarer Health Report

Before applying, certain documents must be prepared. Applications submitted with missing documents are generally not accepted or may delay the process.

The basic documents required for the application are as follows:

National ID card or identification document
A passport-sized photo taken within the last 6 months (biometric preferred)
Previous Seafarer Health Report (if renewing an existing report)
Blood type card or certificate
Application form (required in some hospitals)

Some hospitals may also request proof of payment for examination fees or a referral letter. Therefore, it is advisable to check the hospital’s website or contact the information desk to confirm the current document list before applying.

Should the Seafarer Health Report Be Obtained from a Private or Public Hospital?

This report can only be issued by institutions authorized by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. Therefore, it makes no difference whether it is obtained from a private or public hospital. What matters is that the institution holds the “authorized hospital” status for issuing the report.

Since some private hospitals have this authorization, the process may be completed more quickly, although the fee is usually higher than in public hospitals. If cost is a priority, public hospitals may be preferred; if time efficiency is important, private hospitals can be a more practical choice.

Aktif International Üsküdar Hospital is one of the authorized hospitals for issuing the Seafarer Health Report.

How Much Does a Seafarer Health Report Cost?

The cost of the report depends on whether it is obtained from a public or private hospital, the number of tests performed, and whether it is a first-time or renewal application. As of 2025, the average price range is:

Public hospitals: 400 – 800 TRY
Private hospitals: 1000 – 2500 TRY

Some hospitals offer the report as part of a comprehensive check-up package, which can increase the cost. On the other hand, renewal reports are usually cheaper than first-time applications.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Seafarer Health Report?

The processing time depends on the hospital’s workload and the number of tests required. Therefore, if you are under time pressure, it’s wise to schedule your appointment accordingly.

In general, the waiting times are as follows:

Public hospitals: 2 – 5 business days
Private hospitals: results can be obtained within 1 – 2 business days

If additional tests or specialist consultations are required, the process may take a few extra days. However, in most cases, the report is issued within a week.

When Should the Seafarer Health Report Renewal Examination Be Done?

The Seafarer Health Report is typically valid for 2 years. At the end of this period, seafarers must undergo another medical examination to prove their continued fitness for sea service. However, for those working in physically demanding or high-risk positions, the validity period may be limited to 1 year.

The renewal process closely resembles the initial report procedure. All necessary examinations are performed again at an authorized hospital to reassess the applicant’s fitness for sea service.

How Often Should Seafarer Health Reports Be Renewed for Candidates Under 18?

Candidates under 18 usually obtain this report for internship purposes. Since their physical and developmental growth continues, they are subject to special regulation and closer health monitoring. Therefore, seafarer candidates under 18 must renew their health reports every year.

This ensures their continued fitness for sea work and allows potential health risks to be detected early.

What Should Be Done When the Seafarer Health Report Expires?

When the validity period expires, the individual must reapply to an authorized hospital and undergo another medical examination. Continuing to work on a ship with an expired report is illegal and can lead to serious penalties if discovered during inspections.

Therefore, it’s best to check the expiration date in advance and start the renewal process a few weeks before the report expires. This way, your right to work at sea will not be interrupted, and you can avoid potential fines or administrative issues.

What Is a Seafarer Health Report?