STCW I/9

STCW Code Table B-I/9

Shipboard task, function, event Related physical ability A medical examiner should be
or condition3 satisfied that the candidate4
Routine movement around vessel: Maintain balance and Has no disturbance in sense of
- on moving deck move with agility balance Does not have any
- between levels Climb up and down vertical impairment or disease that prevents
- between compartments ladders and stairways relevant movements and physical
Step over coamings (e.g., activities
Load Line Convention
requires coamings to be Is, without assistance5, able to:
600 mm high) - climb vertical ladders and stairways
Open and close - step over high sills
Note 1 applies to this row watertight doors - manipulate door closing systems
Routine tasks on board: Strength, dexterity Does not have a defined impairment or
- Use of hand tools and stamina to diagnosed medical condition that
- Movement of ship’s stores manipulate reduces ability to perform routine
- Overhead work mechanical devices duties essential to the safe operation of
- Valve operation Lift, pull and carry a load the vessel
- Standing a four-hour watch (e.g., 18 kg)
- Working in confined spaces Has ability to:
- Responding to alarms, Reach upwards - work with arms raised
warnings and Stand, walk and remain - stand and walk for an extended
instructions alert for an extended period
- Verbal communication period - enter confined space
- fulfil eyesight standards (table A-I/9)
Work in constricted spaces - fulfil hearing standards set by
and move through competent authority or take
restricted openings (e.g., account of international guidelines
SOLAS requires minimum - hold normal conversation
openings in cargo spaces
and emergency escapes to
have the minimum
dimensions of 600 mm ×
600 mm –
SOLAS regulation 3.6.5.1)
Visually distinguish
objects, shapes and
signals Hear warnings and
instructions
Give a clear spoken
description
Note 1 applies to this row
 -2- STCW I/9

Shipboard task, function, event Related physical ability A medical examiner should be
or condition3 satisfied that the candidate4
Emergency duties 6 on board: Don a lifejacket or Does not have a defined impairment
- Escape immersion suit or diagnosed medical condition that
- Fire-fighting Escape from smoke-filled reduces ability to perform emergency
- Evacuation spaces duties essential to the safe operation
of the vessel
Take part in fire-fighting
duties, including use of Has ability to:
breathing apparatus - don lifejacket or immersion suit
Take part in vessel - crawl
evacuation - feel for differences in temperature
procedures - handle fire-fighting equipment
- wear breathing apparatus (where
required as part of duties)
Note 2 applies to this row

Notes:

1 Rows 1 and 2 of the above table describe (a) ordinary shipboard tasks, functions, events and conditions,
(b) the corresponding physical abilities which may be considered necessary for the safety of a seafarer, other crew
members and the ship, and (c) high-level criteria for use by medical practitioners assessing medical fitness, bearing in
mind the different duties of seafarers and the nature of shipboard work for which they will be employed.

2 Row 3 of the above table describes (a) ordinary shipboard tasks, functions, events and conditions,
(b) the corresponding physical abilities which should be considered necessary for the safety of a seafarer, other crew
members and the ship, and (c) high-level criteria for use by medical practitioners assessing medical fitness, bearing in
mind the different duties of seafarers and the nature of shipboard work for which they will be employed.

3 This table is not intended to address all possible shipboard conditions or potentially disqualifying medical conditions.
Parties should specify physical abilities applicable to the category of seafarers (such as “Deck officer” and “Engine
rating”). The special circumstances of individuals and for those who have specialized or limited duties should receive due
consideration.

4 If in doubt, the medical practitioner should quantify the degree or severity of any relevant impairment by means of
objective tests, whenever appropriate tests are available, or by referring the candidate for further assessment.

5 The term “assistance” means the use of another person to accomplish the task.

6 The term “emergency duties” is used to cover all standard emergency response situations such as abandon ship or fire
fighting as well as the procedures to be followed by each seafarer to secure personal survival.