The Medico-Legal and Social Aspects of the Eligibility Examination for Enrolment in the Seafarers Registry: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND

Working on board presents unique healthcare challenges for maritime personnel. Italian Law mandates a medical fitness assessment for seafarers registry enrolment. The Port Health Officer assesses seaworthiness and, against this judgment, the applicants can appeal to the First-degree Medical Commission. Studies on maritime personnel's medical fitness are limited and primarily focus on the health conditions of individuals already employed in the maritime sector.

METHODS

A retrospective study reviewed 459 medical reports of 361 seafarers from Naples' Port Authority First-degree Medical Commission (2013-2022). Characteristics such as sex, age, diseases, and suitability judgments were analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of the 361 candidates, most were male with an average age of 28.67 years. A total of 160 (44.32%) were deemed suitable for matriculation in both the first and second categories, 79 (21.88%) were approved for one category, 53 (14.68%) were found not suitable, and 69 (19.11%) are still under assessment. Eye diseases were most common (50.83%), followed by cardiovascular and orthopedic conditions. Applicants with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, and advanced tumors were declared unsuitable.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides opportunities to improve applicants' awareness of the physical requirements for pursuing a career in navigation and to update the list of illnesses and physical impairments used for this medico-legal evaluation.