Nautical Wing — Seafarer Health & Welfare
Maritime Health Branch
The Maritime Health Branch of the Nautical Wing administers the medical examination framework for Indian seafarers, oversees the empanelment and regulation of approved Medical Examiners, ensures the adequacy of medical stores and medicines carried aboard ships, regulates the carriage of medical officers on applicable vessels, and gives effect to Ship Sanitation Certificate requirements under the International Health Regulations. The Branch upholds the health, safety, and welfare of India's seafaring community in alignment with national legislation and international maritime and public health standards.
Seafarer Medical Exams
Medical Certificates
Medical Stores & Medicines
Ship Sanitation
Role of the Maritime Health Branch
The Maritime Health Branch discharges the Directorate's statutory responsibilities in the domain of seafarer health and shipboard public health. Under the Merchant Shipping Act and its subordinate legislation, the Directorate is empowered to approve Medical Examiners of Seafarers, prescribe standards of physical fitness for persons serving at sea, regulate the medicines, medical stores, and appliances to be carried aboard ships, and govern the terms on which medical officers are required to be engaged on larger passenger vessels.
The Branch interfaces directly with the seafaring community, shipowners, medical practitioners, and port health authorities. It maintains the national register of approved Medical Examiners, processes empanelment applications and renewals, administers the familiarisation training requirement for medical examiners, oversees compliance with Ship Sanitation Certificate requirements as Competent Authority under the International Health Regulations 2005, and coordinates with the Mercantile Marine Departments for inspections and enforcement. The Branch also implements the Medical Certificate standards aligned with the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and the STCW Convention as amended.
Core Functions
Core Functions of the Maritime Health Branch
Five Functional AreasEmpanelment of Medical ExaminersApproval, Renewal and Oversight
Ongoing Function
- The Branch empanels qualified medical practitioners as Medical Examiners of Seafarers, authorised to conduct pre-sea, in-service, and re-engagement medical examinations and to issue Medical Certificates of Physical Fitness to seafarers. Only DGS-approved Medical Examiners may issue certificates valid for Indian flag purposes.
- To be eligible for empanelment, a medical practitioner must hold an MBBS degree recognised by the Medical Council of the Central or State Government, be a registered licensed physician, maintain a clinic or hospital with requisite infrastructure including an examination room, testing laboratory, and facilities for blood and urine sample collection, and not be older than 75 years at the time of application.
- Approval is subject to payment of the prescribed fee, submission of the application with authenticated documents, and completion of the Familiarisation Course. Approval is initially granted for five years, with renewal linked to continued valid registration with the relevant Medical Council. Approvals of Medical Examiners who turn 65 years of age are considered for extension subject to submission of medical fitness and satisfactory bi-annual audit of the clinic and the examiner by the jurisdictional MMD.
- An approval is deemed to have expired if registration with the relevant Medical Council is not revalidated. Where the registration validity is lifetime, the Medical Examiner must submit a Certificate of Good Standing from the respective Medical Council.
Eligibility Criteria
Seafarer Medical Examination and CertificationMedical Certificate of Physical Fitness
Mandatory for All Seafarers
- Every seafarer must, prior to registration and at the time of engagement on board, present before a DGS-approved Medical Examiner and obtain a Medical Certificate of Physical Fitness. The certificate confirms that the seafarer meets the standards of physical fitness prescribed by the Directorate and is not suffering from any condition likely to be aggravated by, or to render them unfit for, sea service.
- The standard validity of a Medical Certificate is two years. For seafarers below the age of 18 years, validity is limited to one year. Seafarers above 65 years are issued certificates valid for not more than one year. Where a certificate expires during the course of a voyage, it remains in force until the vessel reaches the next port where an approved Medical Examiner is available, subject to an absolute maximum extension of three months.
- Eyesight standards for in-service and pre-sea examinations conform to those prescribed under the STCW Code. Colour vision is tested using the Ishihara test chart. The standards of physical fitness across all body systems, including musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and ophthalmological, are detailed in the applicable Appendices to the Medical Examination Rules.
Certificate Validity
Familiarisation and Refresher TrainingMS Notice 01 of 2015
Mandatory Pre-Empanelment Requirement
- Any medical practitioner seeking empanelment with the Directorate as a Medical Examiner of Seafarers must complete the Familiarisation Course for Medical Examiners of Seafarers conducted by a DGS-approved Maritime Training Institute that has been issued a No-Objection Certificate for this purpose under MS Notice 01 of 2015 dated 16 January 2015.
- The one-day Familiarisation Course covers the legal and regulatory framework applicable to seafarer medical examinations, the prescribed standards of physical fitness, the conduct of mandatory and supplementary investigations, eyesight testing standards, procedures for issuing and uploading Medical Certificates on the DGS portal, maintenance of medical examination records in electronic format, and the obligations of approved Medical Examiners.
- Already-empanelled Medical Examiners are required to undergo a half-day Refresher Course, which covers the latter part of the Familiarisation Course syllabus. The Refresher Course does not require assessment. On completion, the DGS-approved Maritime Training Institute forwards the original completion documentation to the Directorate for updating the approvals register.
- Upon completion of the course, the Medical Examiner is required to apply separately to the Directorate for a username and password to upload Medical Certificates on the DGS Shipping website, in accordance with DGS Circular No. 3 of 2018 dated 22 January 2018.
Course Requirements
Medical Stores, Medicines and AppliancesShipboard Medical Adequacy
Regulatory Compliance Function
- The Branch administers the statutory requirement for ships to carry medicines, medical stores, and appliances as prescribed under the Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores and Appliances) Rules 1994. The type and quantity of medical stores required vary according to the nature of the voyage, the number of persons on board, and the trading area of the vessel.
- DGS Order No. 2 of 2017 dated 22 May 2017 delegated authority to DGS-approved Medical Examiners to inspect medicines, medical stores, and appliances carried on board ships and to issue the required certificate under Rule 8(3) of the 1994 Rules. This delegation ensures that medical stores inspections can be conducted by empanelled examiners without requiring MMD surveyors to be exclusively deployed for each inspection.
- The certificate of compliance with medical stores requirements issued by an approved Medical Examiner under DGS Order 2 of 2017 forms part of the ship's statutory certificate portfolio and is examined during flag state inspections and Port State Control surveys.
Applicable Instrument
Ship Sanitation CertificatesIHR 2005 and DGS Order 10 of 2018
Public Health Compliance
- Under the International Health Regulations 2005, every vessel engaged in an international voyage must hold a valid Ship Sanitation Control Certificate (SSCC) or Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate (SSCEC). These certificates, issued by a WHO-designated Port Health Authority, confirm that the ship has been inspected and found either free of public health risks (SSCEC) or that control measures have been successfully applied to address identified risks (SSCC). Certificates are valid for six months and may be extended by one month if inspection cannot be completed at a port of call.
- DGS Order No. 10 of 2018 dated 22 November 2018 governs the implementation of the SSCC and SSCEC requirement for vessels in the Indian context, including vessels engaged in coastal trade. Where a Port Health Officer is not available at the port of call, a DGS-authorised Medical Examiner may issue a Statement of Compliance in lieu of the SSCC or SSCEC. The master of a coastal vessel calling at ports where no authorised Medical Examiner is available may issue a Statement of Compliance, which must subsequently be endorsed by an authorised Medical Examiner at the earliest opportunity.
Applicable Instruments
Carriage of Medical OfficerPassenger and Large Vessels
Applicable to Prescribed Vessel Categories
- The Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Medical Officer) Rules 1961 prescribe the categories of vessels on which a qualified medical officer must be carried as part of the ship's complement. Passenger ships of certain sizes and on specified voyages are required to carry a medical officer to ensure that medical assistance is available to persons on board during the voyage.
- The Branch monitors compliance with this requirement, which forms part of the safe manning framework for applicable vessel categories. A medical officer carried under the 1961 Rules must hold a qualification recognised by the Directorate, and their presence is verified during flag state inspections.
Applicable Instrument
Medical Examiner Empanelment Process
Step-by-Step Empanelment Process for Medical Examiners
A medical practitioner seeking empanelment as a Medical Examiner of Seafarers with the Directorate General of Shipping must complete the following sequence of steps. All applications must be routed through the jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department.
01
Familiarisation Course
Complete the one-day Familiarisation Course for Medical Examiners of Seafarers at a DGS-approved Maritime Training Institute holding an NOC for this purpose under MS Notice 01 of 2015. The institute forwards the completion documentation (Annex III with enclosures) to DGS.
02
Application to DGS
Submit the prescribed application form with authenticated documents including MBBS qualification certificate, valid Medical Council registration, proof of clinic infrastructure, facility photographs, and payment of the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 25,000 to the Directorate through the jurisdictional MMD.
03
MMD Audit and Verification
The jurisdictional Mercantile Marine Department conducts an inspection or audit of the applicant's clinic and verifies the documentary submissions. Approval is granted for five years upon satisfactory compliance with all applicable requirements. The DGS Approval Number and validity are reflected in the published list of approved Medical Examiners on the Directorate's website.
04
Portal Access and Renewal
Upon empanelment, the Medical Examiner applies for a username and password to upload Medical Certificates on the DGS website as per DGS Circular No. 3 of 2018. Renewal of approval is linked to continued valid Medical Council registration. Where registration has lifetime validity, a Certificate of Good Standing from the respective Medical Council must be submitted. Extension beyond age 65 requires fitness certification and bi-annual MMD audit.
Approved Medical Examiner Register
Register of Approved Medical Examiners
Updated RegularlyCurrently Approved Medical ExaminersState-wise Register with Approval Number and Validity
- The Directorate maintains and publishes an updated state-wise list of all currently approved Medical Examiners of Seafarers, with each entry specifying the DGS Approval Number and the validity period. Only Medical Examiners appearing on this list are authorised to issue Medical Certificates of Physical Fitness for Indian seafarers.
- Medical Examiners who have completed the Familiarisation Course under MS Notice 01 of 2015 but have not yet submitted a renewed Medical Council registration are maintained in a separate pending list. Such examiners are displayed under the approved list upon receipt of the renewal documentation and its verification by the Directorate.
- A Medical Examiner's approval is deemed to have expired automatically if the registration with the relevant Medical Council lapses and is not renewed. Seafarers must verify that the examiner conducting their medical is currently listed on the approved register before undergoing examination.
Access the Register
Obligations of Approved Medical ExaminersStandards of Conduct
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
- All approved Medical Examiners must at all times maintain the premises where medical examinations are conducted in clean and hygienic condition with adequate space, lighting, and privacy for examination. The facility must be equipped for all mandatory investigations, and outsourced pathological tests must be conducted only at NABL or NABH accredited or ISO-certified laboratories.
- Medical Examiners must maintain records of all examinations conducted in electronic format as specified by the Directorate. Certificates must be uploaded on the DGS portal promptly after each examination. Examiners must not issue certificates to seafarers who do not meet the prescribed standards, and must not certify seafarers without conducting the mandatory minimum investigations.
- Approved examiners must maintain copies of the International Health Regulations 2005, the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules 2000 as amended, all applicable MS Notices and DGS Orders, and the Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores and Appliances) Rules 1994 for ready reference during examinations.
- Non-compliance with the standards and obligations prescribed by the Directorate may result in suspension or cancellation of approval. The jurisdictional MMD Principal Officer may conduct periodic audits of approved Medical Examiners to verify compliance.
Applicable Rules, Notices and Orders
Key Regulatory Instruments
Non-Exhaustive ReferenceThe following instruments constitute the principal regulatory framework applicable to approved Medical Examiners of Seafarers and to shipowners with respect to medical requirements. The complete and current texts of all these instruments are available on the Directorate's website at www.dgshipping.gov.in and the updated portal at dgma.gov.in. This list is non-exhaustive and practitioners must remain updated on any subsequent amendments, circulars, or MS Notices issued by the Directorate.
3.1
Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Rules, 2000
The principal rules governing the medical examination of seafarers, qualification and duties of Medical Examiners, standards of physical fitness, and procedures for the issuance of Medical Certificates. Amended in 2016 and further updated in 2024 to expand minimum mandatory investigations, address transgender seafarers, and standardise fitness standards.
3.2
Merchant Shipping (Medical Examination) Amendment Rules, 2016
Amendments to the 2000 Rules bringing updated standards aligned with MLC 2006 and STCW 2010 Manila Amendment requirements, including revised eyesight standards and updated fitness criteria for deck and engineering officers.
3.3
Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores and Appliances) Rules, 1994
Prescribes the type and quantity of medicines, medical stores, and appliances to be carried aboard Indian ships, varying by vessel category, number of persons carried, and trading area. Forms the basis for the medical stores inspection carried out by approved Medical Examiners under DGS Order 02 of 2017.
3.4
Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Medical Officer) Rules, 1961
Prescribes the categories of passenger and other vessels required to carry a qualified medical officer as part of the crew complement, ensuring availability of medical care during voyages on applicable vessel types.
3.5
MS Notice No. 01 of 2015 (dated 16 January 2015)
Prescribes the revised procedure for approval of Medical Examiners of Seafarers under Rule 4 of the MS (Medical Examination) Rules 2000. Specifies the Familiarisation Course and Refresher Course requirements, eligibility criteria, infrastructure standards, obligations of approved examiners, eyesight standards, mandatory investigations, record-keeping, and the certificate format.
3.6
DGS Order No. 2 of 2017 (dated 22 May 2017)
Authorises DGS-approved Medical Examiners to inspect medicines, medical stores, and appliances on board ships and to issue the certificate under Rule 8(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores and Appliances) Rules 1994. Delegates this inspection function from MMD surveyors to empanelled Medical Examiners.
3.7
DGS Order No. 10 of 2018 (dated 22 November 2018)
Governs Ship Sanitation Control Certificate and Ship Sanitation Control Exemption Certificate requirements for Indian vessels, including those engaged in coastal trade. Provides for issuance of a Statement of Compliance by DGS-authorised Medical Examiners at ports where Port Health Officers are unavailable, and by masters where authorised examiners are also unavailable.
3.8
DGS Circular No. 3 of 2018 (dated 22 January 2018)
Prescribes the process for approved Medical Examiners to apply for username and password credentials for uploading seafarer Medical Certificates on the DGS website. Mandates electronic uploading of all certificates issued, enabling centralised tracking and verification of seafarer medical fitness status through the Directorate's online portal.
Key Compliance Reminders
Key Compliance Reminders for Stakeholders
Valid Medical CertificateMandatory Before Joining Ship
- No seafarer may be engaged on board a ship without holding a current and valid Medical Certificate of Physical Fitness issued by a DGS-approved Medical Examiner. An expired certificate does not authorise engagement.
- Seafarers should verify the approval status of their Medical Examiner before undergoing examination by checking the current approved list on the DGS website. Certificates issued by unapproved practitioners are invalid.
Examiner Medical Council RegistrationContinuous Obligation
- A DGS approval as Medical Examiner is automatically deemed to have lapsed if the practitioner's registration with the relevant Medical Council is not renewed or has expired. Examiners must proactively track their Medical Council registration validity and submit renewal documents to DGS promptly.
- Where Medical Council registration carries lifetime validity, a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the respective Medical Council must be submitted to the Directorate to enable continued operation as an approved examiner.
Medical Stores InspectionPre-Departure Requirement
- Shipowners must ensure that the medicines, medical stores, and appliances carried aboard comply with the prescribed requirements. DGS-approved Medical Examiners are authorised under DGS Order 02 of 2017 to conduct this inspection and issue the Rule 8(3) certificate.
- The medical stores certificate must be maintained on board and produced during flag state inspections and Port State Control surveys. Deficiencies in medical stores are a commonly cited finding in Port State Control reports and may lead to vessel detention.
Ship Sanitation Certificate ValiditySix-Month Renewal Cycle
- Every vessel on an international voyage must carry a valid SSCC or SSCEC. These certificates are valid for six months and must be renewed before expiry at a WHO-designated Port Health Authority. Masters must ensure timely renewal to avoid complications at foreign ports where production of these certificates may be required by port authorities.
- For vessels in coastal trade, DGS Order 10 of 2018 provides the applicable framework including the Statement of Compliance mechanism. The list of DGS-authorised Medical Examiners empowered to issue a Statement of Compliance is maintained on the Directorate's website at dgshipping.gov.in.
