Pre-employment Medical Examination (PEME): What Seafarers Should Know

What is PEME?

Pre-employment Medical Examination (PEME) is the check that confirms a seafarer can safely carry out their duties on board. In practice, it follows international standards for seafarers, including the ILO Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers and the medical certificate standard in MLC, 2006.

What is usually checked?

PEME usually covers a basic health assessment to see whether a person is fit for sea service.

• eyesight and hearing;
• blood pressure, heart, and breathing;
• chronic conditions and any medication you take;
• mental wellbeing and sleep, if they affect safety;
• extra tests or exams when the rank or route requires them.

What matters before the appointment?

PEME works best when it is honest and complete, because the result affects both your safety and the crew’s safety.

• bring your passport, previous medical reports, glasses or contact lenses, and a list of medicines;
• check whether the crewing agency or shipowner has specific requirements;
• ask about any limitations written in the result;
• if you disagree with the outcome, ask whether there is a second-opinion process.

How long is the certificate valid?

The certificate is usually valid for up to 2 years, and for seafarers under 18 it is usually valid for up to 1 year, unless national rules or the specific job require a shorter period. That matches the MLC 2006 standard.

If you need pre-voyage guidance or help reading your documents, see the seafarers section, how to report, or contacts.