Seafarer Health Report | Authorised Seafarer Medical Examination

About the Seafarer Health Report

A seafarer health report is an official medical document showing that personnel who will work at sea are physically and mentally able to carry out their profession safely. People who work, or plan to work, in the maritime sector must meet certain health criteria.

Before the report is issued, the candidate's general health is assessed in detail. This process may include examinations by specialist physicians, laboratory tests and imaging methods where necessary. Based on these assessments, the person's fitness to work at sea is determined, and a seafarer health report is issued for candidates found fit.

Anyone who wants to start a maritime career with confidence or renew an existing report can apply to authorised healthcare institutions for a comprehensive health assessment. This process aims both to protect the health of workers and to improve safety at sea.

How Do I Get a Seafarer Health Report?

The Seafarer Health Report is a medical report issued in accordance with the Seafarers' Health Directive dated 16 July 2026, showing a seafarer's or seafarer candidate's fitness to work at sea based on the examinations and tests performed. For those over 18, it is valid for 2 years. Seafarers must undergo a periodic health check once every 2 years in accordance with the provisions of the “Seafarers' Health Directive”. Health checks for first-time seafarers, as well as those repeated every 2 years, are carried out by public and private healthcare institutions authorised under the Seafarers' Health Directive issued by the Ministry of Health.

Seafarer Health Report Application

Fill in the information below for detailed information and appointments. Our authorised staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

Seafarer Health Report Application

Fill in the information below for detailed information and appointments. Our authorised staff will get back to you as soon as possible.

About the Seafarer Health Report

A seafarer health report is an official medical document showing that personnel who will work at sea are physically and mentally able to carry out their profession safely. People who work, or plan to work, in the maritime sector must meet certain health criteria.

Before the report is issued, the candidate's general health is assessed in detail. This process may include examinations by specialist physicians, laboratory tests and imaging methods where necessary. Based on these assessments, the person's fitness to work at sea is determined, and a seafarer health report is issued for candidates found fit.

Anyone who wants to start a maritime career with confidence or renew an existing report can apply to authorised healthcare institutions for a comprehensive health assessment. This process aims both to protect the health of workers and to improve safety at sea.

How Do I Get a Seafarer Health Report?

The Seafarer Health Report is a medical report issued in accordance with the Seafarers' Health Directive dated 26 July 2021, showing a seafarer's or seafarer candidate's fitness to work at sea based on the examinations and tests performed. For those over 18, it is valid for 2 years. Seafarers must undergo a periodic health check once every 2 years in accordance with the provisions of the “Seafarers' Health Directive”. Health checks for first-time seafarers, as well as those repeated every 2 years, are carried out by public and private healthcare institutions authorised under the Seafarers' Health Directive issued by the Ministry of Health.

Who Is Required to Obtain a Seafarer Health Report?

Professional and amateur seafarers, small-scale fishermen, boat owners and everyone working on ships are required to obtain this report.

What Do You Need to Do to Become a Seafarer?

A person who decides to become a seafarer should first apply to the centres known as Coastal Health Inspection Centres, obtain information about the documents to prepare and, following their guidance, apply to hospitals and medical centres to find out what type of medical board report they need to obtain.

Who Can Apply?

• Seafarer candidates applying to become seafarers for the first time,

• Seafarers who have not had their periodic examination on time,

• Seafarers referred to the medical board for a general examination during a periodic examination,

• Seafarers who have completed three consecutive periodic examinations and thus used up their periodic examination entitlement must apply in person, for a general examination, to an authorised healthcare institution with a seafarer medical board.

Seafarers or seafarer candidates, together with the “Seafarers' Medical Examination Form” obtained from the healthcare institution, the seafarer fitness health report and documentation of all tests performed, apply in person to the authorised centres within 30 working days at the latest to have a “Seafarers' Health Check Certificate” issued. Seafarers who do not have their periodic examination at the authorised centres within 3 months of the expiry date of the Seafarer Health Check Certificate are required to undergo a general examination.

Seafarer Fitness Health Report

Candidates applying for a Seafarers' Health Check Certificate for the first time, and seafarers who have not actively worked at sea for more than 2 years, are entitled to a Seafarer Fitness Health Report if, as a result of the examinations, they have no physical impediment (such as disability or illness) to becoming a seafarer under the provisions of the Seafarers' Health Directive.

Seafarer General Examination:

Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Internal Medicine, Cardiology and other relevant specialties may require an examination.

Required Documents for the Seafarer Periodic Health Report

Seafarers must undergo a periodic check every two years to find out whether their health is suitable for working at sea. As a result of these checks, seafarers are given a Periodic Health Check Report. For those under 18 to be employed continuously in maritime service, Periodic Health Checks are repeated every year. Since the tests for the Seafarer Health Report require fasting, candidates should come to the hospital between 08:30 and 10:30.

The tests performed in the periodic examination are:

• Complete Blood Count

• Fasting Blood Glucose

• Complete Urinalysis

• Anti-HIV

• HBsAg

• ECG

• Audiometry

• PA Chest X-ray

The Following Tests Are Performed in the Seafarer General Examination

• Complete Blood Count

• Fasting Blood Glucose

• Complete Urinalysis

• Urea

• Creatinine

• Anti-HIV

• HBsAg

• Anti-HCV

• SGOT - SGPT

• Urine Drug Screening

• ECG

• Audiometry

• Chest X-ray

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get a Seafarer Health Report?

To obtain a seafarer health report, you need to apply to an authorised healthcare institution. During the examination process, your physical and mental health is assessed, and the necessary laboratory tests and specialist examinations are completed. If all assessments show that you are fit to work at sea, a seafarer health report is issued.

Which Tests Are Performed for the Seafarer Health Report?

Various tests may be performed as part of the seafarer health report to assess the person's general health. This process may include blood and urine tests, a chest X-ray, hearing and vision assessments and other examinations deemed necessary. The tests applied may vary depending on the person's age, medical history and field of work.

How Many Years Is the Seafarer Health Report Valid?

The validity period of the seafarer health report may vary depending on the relevant legislation and the person's health status. The renewal date of the report is determined taking into account the position held and the results of the health assessment. For up-to-date information on the validity period, it is recommended to contact the healthcare institution or the relevant maritime authorities.

Where Can I Get a Seafarer Medical Report?

A seafarer medical report can be obtained from healthcare institutions authorised to issue seafarer health reports. Once the examinations and tests are completed, the report is issued for candidates found fit.

Which Departments Examine You for the Seafarer Health Report?

During the seafarer health report process, assessments may be carried out in different specialties depending on the person's health status. Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose and Throat, Internal Medicine, Cardiology and other relevant specialties may require an examination. The scope of the examination may vary depending on the applicant's characteristics.

What Is an International Seafarer Health Report?

An international seafarer health report is a report documenting the medical fitness of personnel who will work in maritime activities according to international standards. This report is issued to assess health problems that could prevent the person from working at sea.

How Is a Seafarer Health Report Renewed?

When the validity period of the existing report ends or renewal is required, the person undergoes a new health assessment. After the necessary examinations and tests are completed, a new seafarer health report may be issued for candidates found fit.

Where Can I Get a Seafarer Health Report in Istanbul?

Private Hisar Hospital Intercontinental is among the authorised healthcare institutions in Ümraniye, Istanbul, where you can apply for seafarer health report procedures.

Our Department Physician

Seafarer Health Report Application

Fill in the information below for detailed information and appointments. Our authorised staff will get back to you as soon as possible.