Sep 23: A ship’s operational readiness depends on more than technology, infrastructure and regulatory compliance. It also depends on the people responsible for keeping it moving. For seafarers, maintaining that readiness means having access to healthcare that goes beyond a medical examination before joining a vessel.
The International Maritime Organization’s World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” focuses on translating maritime regulations into practical outcomes. For seafarers, this principle can be applied to healthcare by strengthening the connection between mandatory medical fitness assessments, preventive screening and continuing care.
India already has established medical requirements for seafarers. The Directorate General of Shipping states that Indian seafarers are governed by the Merchant Shipping (Medical Examinations) Rules and that medical standards also take into account WHO, ILO and Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 guidelines. The next step is to consider how these requirements can connect with broader healthcare support throughout a seafarer’s career.
“Medical fitness should be viewed as the foundation of a seafarer’s healthcare journey, rather than its endpoint. A medical examination establishes whether an individual is fit for sea service at a particular point in time, but maintaining that fitness requires continuity of care. With India’s maritime workforce expanding rapidly, there is a strong need to connect medical assessments with preventive screening, diagnostics and follow up care,” said Suhasini Deshmukh, Director, MedRabbits Healthcare and Clinic.
The working environment at sea makes this continuity particularly important. Extended periods away from shore-based healthcare, demanding work schedules, disrupted sleep and limited access to specialists can make routine health management challenging. Issues that may appear manageable on land can become more difficult to address when a seafarer is onboard for prolonged periods.
A more connected approach can begin with comprehensive pre sea assessments supported by appropriate diagnostics. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular health, vision, hearing, metabolic health and other areas can help identify potential concerns early. Nutrition guidance, preventive counselling and access to follow up care can further support seafarers in managing their health between assignments.
“India’s maritime growth should be accompanied by an equally strong focus on workforce health. As the country moves towards a larger share of the global seafaring workforce, healthcare needs to become more connected and preventive. Bringing accredited medical assessments, diagnostics and continuing care into a more integrated ecosystem can support healthier careers and strengthen the resilience of the maritime workforce,” added Deshmukh.
The focus on implementation also presents an opportunity for healthcare providers, maritime organisations and policymakers to look at seafarer health as an ongoing responsibility rather than a one time compliance requirement. A medical certificate can establish fitness at a particular moment, but sustained wellbeing requires continued attention. For a sector where human performance is central to safety and operational continuity, investing in seafarer healthcare can therefore become an important part of maritime excellence. Moving from policy to practice means ensuring that the standards established on paper translate into meaningful support for the people working on every deck and in every port.