This information is for STCW medical inspectors only
If you are a seafarer go to:
- Get a medical fitness certificate for STCW certificates
- Certificate of medical fitness for near coastal seafarers
For near coastal medical fitness assessments, use the Standards for the medical assessment of domestic seafarers.
On this page
- When this guidance applies
- Apply the standards
- Complete the Medical examination report (232)
- Issue the Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
- Record-keeping requirements
- Overseas examinations
- Your responsibilities as a medical inspector
- Download forms and standards
When this guidance applies
AMSA appointed medical inspectors must apply the Standards for the medical examination of seafarers and coastal pilots and complete AMSA Medical examination report (232) and Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) when conducting medical fitness examinations in support of:
- new STCW certificates
- STCW certificate revalidation
- return to work after illness or injury
- coastal pilot medicals (where applicable).
Apply the standards
You must use the Standards for the medical examination of seafarers and coastal pilots for every AMSA medical fitness examination.
The standards set out:
- health, physical, and functional requirements
- required tests and examination steps
- how to assess medical fitness
- when specialist advice is required
- when to issue, limit or refuse a certificate
- record-keeping requirements
Complete the Medical examination report (232)
Form 232 is the primary clinical record for AMSA medical fitness examinations.
What to record
Form 232 must include:
- medical history
- examination findings
- test results
- medications and declared conditions
- specialist reports (if needed)
- your assessment and any restrictions
How to complete the form
You must:
- complete every section
- apply the Standards consistently
- record restrictions clearly and unambiguously
- attach all relevant test results and supporting documents
- sign and stamp the form and include clinic and examiner details
Issue the Certificate of Medical Fitness (303)
Form 303 is the official certificate issued to applicants undertaking STCW-related medical examinations.
After completing the Medical examination report (232) and assessing the applicant against the Standards, issue the Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) if the applicant is medically fit for STCW purposes.
What the certificate must show
The certificate must include:
- whether the person is fit for duty, fit for restricted duties or unfit
- any restrictions or conditions
- the validity period
- your signature and medical inspector details
Who receives the certificate
You must give the original AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) to the applicant
Record-keeping requirements
You must keep the original AMSA Medical examination report (232) and a copy of the AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness (303) for at least 7 years, or longer if required by medical industry best practice or applicable Commonwealth legislation.
Records must be accessible to support audit, review or investigation if required.
Overseas examinations
If a medical examination is conducted overseas:
- you must retain a copy of the AMSA Medical examination report (232) for at least 7 years, or longer if required by medical industry best practice or legislation in the country of examination.
- the applicant may request a copy of the completed form and supporting documents.
Your responsibilities as a medical inspector
You must:
- apply the Standards for every examination
- make evidence-based decisions and document them clearly
- provide the seafarer with the (original) completed form 303
- identify when specialist review is needed
- maintain accurate long-term records
- notify AMSA if your approval status changes or may be affected.
Failure to meet these obligations may affect your approval status.