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Approval of Medical Examiners under the provisions of Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
Applicable to:
All Indian seafarers, ship owners, and medical examiners
Effective Date:
15th November, 2010
Superseded Circulars:
Merchant Shipping Notice No. 17 of 2002
Key Changes and Requirements
1. New Approval Procedure
The Directorate General of Shipping has revised the procedures for approving medical examiners under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
- Application: Submit a completed application (Annex I) along with a checklist (Annex II) to the Directorate General of Shipping, Mumbai.
- Eligibility: Hold an MBBS degree, be a licensed physician, and not exceed 65 years of age. Possess experience in general/occupational medicine and knowledge of living/working conditions on board ships.
- Interview & Inspection: Undergo a personal interview and inspection of premises by an authorized official of the Directorate General of Shipping.
- Approval: Upon satisfactory compliance, the Directorate General of Shipping shall approve the medical examiner and issue a letter of approval.
2. Medical Examination & Certificate
Approved medical examiners must:
- Conduct Examination: Only at the declared place, unless prior approval is obtained.
- Issue Certificate: In the prescribed format (Annex IV) without alterations.
- Validity: Medical certificates are valid for a maximum of 2 years (1 year for seafarers under 18) and 6 years for colour vision certificates.
II/4 Medical Examiners on DGS Panel
Visit DGS website for the updated list.
Important Note
Appeals against decisions can be made to the Director General of Shipping within 90 days. Inspections and investigations may be conducted based on complaints or for verification purposes.
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