New rules on medical examinations of seafarers and fishermen in Denmark

New rules on medical examinations of seafarers and fishermen in Denmark

Henceforth, employees on board Danish ships need only hold an international approved health certificate. 

​Danish Maritime Authority has informed that on September 1, 2019, the order for medical examinations of seafarers and fishermen will be changed. Because of this change, it is no longer a requirement to hold a Danish Health Certificate when employed on Danish ships.

Rasmus Høy Thomsen, Director:

"The change removes an administrative burden and at the same time making it easier to be a seafarer on Danish ships."

In future, seafarers can use health certificates issued by an approved maritimemedicalpractitioner from their own country.

This means that:

  • Seafarers are no longer required to undergo a Danish medical examination or to hold a Danish health certificate.
  • Seafarers must be in possession of a valid health certificate based on a medical examination undertaken in a country that has implemented the STCW and the MLC.
  • It is no longer a requirement for the shipmaster or the shipping company to send the health information of seafarers to the Danish Maritime Authority after medical examinations carried out abroad.
  • The seafarer must be able to present a valid health certificate at all times during his / her employment. It is up to the shipmaster and the shipping company to ensure that the health certificate meets the necessary requirements.