Medical Fitness Certificates

In accordance with the STCW Convention 1978, as amended and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), all seafarers serving on Cook Islands-flagged vessels are required to hold a valid medical certificate issued by a recognised medical practitioner, certifying that the seafarer is fit for sea going service.

Medical Certificate Template

The Cook Islands provides an official Medical Examination Report/Certificate template that may be used for recording seafarer medical examinations. This template can be downloaded here:

Approved Medical Practitioners

In the case of the Cook Islands, the Administration approves persons registered as medical practitioners under the Cook Islands Medical and Dental Practices Act 1976 and authorised to practise.

The Cook Islands also accepts medical certificates issued by medical practitioners who are authorised to conduct seafarer medical examinations and issue medical certificates in accordance with STCW and MLC by the State in which they operate.

Seafarers, Agents, shipowners, and operators should ensure examinations are conducted only by medical practitioners authorised recognised by the State in which the practitioner is located.

Register of Approved Medical Practitioners

A register of approved medical practitioners can be found below, including direct links to the lists maintained by each recognised State.