DRAFT, needs technical review. Not for publication. The title is our own wording, not the official Paris MoU text.
PSC deficiency code 01218: Seafarer medical fitness certificates
| Category | Certificates and manning (STCW / MLC) |
| Related certificate | Maritime Labour Certificate / STCW |
| Main references | STCW Regulation I/9 and MLC Standard A1.2 |
| Typical action codes | 17 (rectify before departure), 30 (detainable) if serious |
| Commonly detainable? | Can be, depending on severity (no statistics claimed) |
What PSC officers look for
- Certificate expired or missing for a rank
- Certificate not flag-recognised
- Limitations on certificate not reflected in assignment
- Copies not available on board
- Pre-join verification not documented
Typical root causes
- Crew change rushed in port
- Agency sent scan only without valid dates
- Fleet HR system not synced to ship
- Medical review of limitations not in handover
Corrective action (example)
Replace or renew invalid certificates; remove seafarer from duty until fit; update crew list and DPA notification if required.
Preventive action (example)
Hard stop in crewing system for expired medicals; master verification before sign-on.
Evidence to attach for close-out
- Valid medical copies
- Crew list revision
- Company acknowledgement
- Agency correspondence
Related
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Official code list: Paris MoU, List of Deficiency Codes (1 July 2026). Action codes: Paris MoU, Inspection outcome. Reviewed by: _pending_ · Review date: _pending_ This page is general guidance, not legal, flag or class advice. Always follow the PSC officer's instructions and your flag and class requirements.