Gov’t requires vessel operators to pass medical examination

The medical requirement has two categories for affected operators.

The Marine Department is requiring vessel operators to secure a medical fitness certificate as part of their applications for local certificates of competency (CoC) or their revalidation.

According to the government, this move aims to ensure safety in the marine industry by making sure operators are physically fit to operate vessels.

Under the new requirement, Category I covers all applicants for initial issuance or revalidation of any grade of local CoC, whilst Category II only covers coxswains and engine operators in charge of passenger vessels and “high-risk vessels” carrying substances such as gases, noxious liquid substances or oil.

All applicants for issuance or revalidation of local CoCs must submit a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner recognised by the department, together with their application form.

The local certificates will remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 65. Holders of local certificates who wish to revalidate their CoCs after reaching 65 will have to pass a medical assessment every three years.

After reaching the age of 71, a holder must pass a medical assessment every year to revalidate the CoC.

Meanwhile, all coxswains and engine operators of high-risk vessels need to undergo a medical assessment every five years since they are more exposed to risks.