Seafarer Health Report: Detailed Information and Practical Guide

Ships, whether for international transportation as part of global trade or for passenger travel, often spend long periods navigating the open seas and oceans. The ability of these vessels to travel smoothly for days or even weeks away from land depends on the efforts of maritime professionals. Therefore, both the maritime industry and seafarers play a crucial role in global trade and international passenger transport.

Working in the maritime sector requires not only technical competence but also strong physical and mental health. To ensure a ship can complete its journey safely, crew members must be in good health and capable of performing their duties without interruption. Beyond being essential for safety, maintaining good health is also a legal requirement. Seafarers must obtain a Seafarer Health Report to prove they are medically fit to perform their duties at sea.

Thus, the “Seafarer Health Report” process is not merely a formality. It is an essential step toward ensuring a safe and sustainable working environment. In this article, we will thoroughly examine the stages of obtaining the Seafarer Health Report, the types of examinations involved, the application process, and common situations encountered along the way.

What Medical Tests Are Conducted for the Seafarer Health Report?

The seafarer medical examination is carried out through a series of comprehensive medical evaluations and laboratory tests designed to determine whether the applicant possesses the physical and psychological fitness required to work at sea.

This process can be summarized under three main categories: clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and additional evaluations.

Clinical Examinations: These cover multiple medical specialties, including:

Internal Medicine: Evaluation of general health status, blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, and metabolic diseases (such as diabetes).
Ophthalmology: Tests for visual acuity, color blindness, and night vision.
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Hearing assessments, balance evaluations, and eardrum inspections.
Orthopedics: Examination of the musculoskeletal system, mobility, and balance.
Psychiatry: Assessment of mental resilience, stress management, and history of substance use.
Neurology: Screening for epilepsy, fainting history, and neurological reflex abnormalities.

Laboratory Tests

Complete blood count (CBC)
Biochemical tests (liver, kidney, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.)
Urinalysis
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV tests
Chest X-ray
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Audiometry (hearing test)
Vision tests (refraction, color vision test)

Additional Examinations (if required):

Pulmonary function test (especially for smokers)
Psychological assessment scales
Substance use screening (alcohol or drug tests)
Allergy tests or chronic condition monitoring

Diseases That May Prevent Issuance of a Seafarer Health Report

The Seafarer Health Report is a crucial safety measure not only for the applicant but also for the entire crew and passengers aboard the same vessel. The report certifies whether an individual is medically capable of performing their duties safely in a maritime environment.

However, certain health conditions can prevent a candidate from being deemed fit for duty.

Common Reasons for Disqualification:

Severe cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension)
Visual or hearing loss (especially if not correctable)
Epilepsy and other neurological disorders
Uncontrolled diabetes
Psychiatric disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
Alcohol or substance addiction
Infectious diseases (active tuberculosis, advanced hepatitis infections)

Objection Process: If the report concludes with a “Not fit for sea service” decision, the applicant has the right to appeal within a specified period. In this case, they are re-evaluated at another authorized medical institution. The decision issued after this second evaluation is generally final.

Seafarer Health Report Application

So, what is the application process for a Seafarer’s Health Report? What steps are required to complete the application? What documents are required to apply for a Seafarer’s Health Report? Let’s answer these questions now.

Preparation Before Application:

Before applying for a report, you can prepare the following documents:

Valid ID (national ID card or passport)
Two biometric photographs
Previous health report or medical test results (if available)
Seafarer’s license/booklet (for renewal applications)
Since some tests require fasting, it is advisable to visit the medical institution early in the morning on an empty stomach.

Application Steps:

Schedule an appointment with an authorized healthcare institution.

Bring the required documents as instructed by the hospital.

After registration, hospital staff will direct you to the relevant departments for examination and testing.

Once all examinations and tests are completed, authorized physicians will review your results and decide whether you are “Fit for sea service” or “Not fit for sea service.”

The report will be recorded electronically and provided to you in written form.

Authorized Institutions and Hospitals

In Türkiye, Seafarer Health Reports can only be issued by healthcare institutions authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Aktif International Üsküdar Hospital is among the institutions authorized to issue Seafarer Health Reports.

A current list of authorized hospitals is also available on the official website hssgm.gov.tr.

Typically, the following institutions are authorized:

University hospitals
Training and research hospitals
Private hospitals with maritime medical authorization

Since the authorized hospital list is frequently updated, it is important to check the latest information before making an appointment.

How to Check the Seafarer Health Report Online

Once all examinations are complete, you can easily check your report results online.

Turkish citizens can view their Seafarer Health Reports conveniently through the e-Devlet (e-Government) portal.

Through this page, you can view your status (“Fit for sea service” or “Not fit for sea service”), the report’s validity period, and the issuing hospital’s information.

You may print a copy of the report to submit with job applications or for maritime authority requirements.

Practical Tips and Recommendations

Sometimes, especially when deadlines are tight, obtaining the report quickly becomes crucial. To avoid unnecessary delays, consider the following practical tips:

Schedule your appointment early: Hospitals may experience high demand, especially during the summer. Early appointments prevent time loss.
Keep your previous test results: Bringing earlier reports can speed up renewal evaluations.
Pay attention to fasting and rest: Fast for at least 8 hours before giving blood samples.
Limit smoking and alcohol: Both can affect your test results.
Mind your mental health: If you have a history of anxiety, panic attacks, or other psychological issues, consult an authorized clinic in advance.
Monitor report validity: If you already hold a valid Seafarer Health Report, apply for renewal before it expires, as working with an expired report is not legally permitted.