Navigating the New Medical Standards
REC veteran Andy Hammond weighs in and cautions mariners to provide sufficient documentation that their medical condition is being treated properly AND that they could perform the normal duties of the license held or applied for.
When the Staten Island Ferry crashed into the dock in October of 2003 the investigation revealed a "system" that may have allowed a mariner to operate under the authority of their license, who was not physically competent to do so. While the regulatory licensing process may not have prevented Richard Smith (Captain) from taking Tremadol and Tylenol PM, which most likely caused him to pass out, resulting in a casualty that killed 11 people, it did prompt the Coast Guard to take a hard look at mariners and physical competency.
A major part of the license and MMD application process is providing documentation that you are physically competent to perform the normal duties of the license or rating applied for, including all emergency duties. There are very specific regulations with regard to visual acuity and color sense. However, the Coast Guard will make the final determination if your general physical condition is suitable to hold a credential.
The current system requires you to submit information on Coast Guard form CG-719K that is to be completed by any state licensed physician, physician assistant, OR nurse practitioner. In the future, there MAY be system similar to the FAA, which requires an approved "flight surgeon" to determine one's competency to fly. For the near future, the burden will be placed on a "system" that allows a mariner to use any licensed medical practitioner to complete the form. When they indicate a known medical condition that could be a concern to the Coast Guard, that information will be referred to the Coast Guard's Medical evaluation staff at the National Maritime Center for review. They may require the mariner to obtain additional tests or information from their practitioner regarding their condition; it's history, prognosis, and any side effects of any prescribed medications.
The key to this process is to know ahead of time what information should be provided to allow for a smoother process. There are no "automatic" denials based on one's physical condition. However there ARE automatic denials IF information is not provided in order for the Medical Team to make an assessment. Licenses have been issued to people with almost all types of medical conditions. In ALL cases, the mariner provided sufficient documentation that their condition was being treated properly AND that they could perform the normal duties of the license held or applied for.
The population of merchant mariners is getting older and physical issues will come to the forefront of concerns for vessel owners and the Coast Guard. If this is an issue for you, then you need to be keenly aware of what your treatment options are and how to provide proper documentation so that you can perform your job and keep your Coast Guard credential!
• About Capt. Andrew Hammond
For almost 10 years, Andy served as an Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW) on several large merchant vessels in the in the North Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Andy then joined the Coast Guard as a civilian Marine Inspector in Boston Marine Safety Office for four years. Subsequently, Andy assumed the position of Chief, Regional Exam Center. In this position, Andy was responsible for the certification of all mariners in the New England region, from the entry level maritime employee to the seasoned Unlimited Master Mariner. As Principal of Maritime Consulting LLC, Andy will assist you with any issues or challenges you may face during the Coast Guard certification process, from document review to training/examination training to problem resolution to physical competency review, Andy has the expertise and connections to guide you smoothly through the process.
Maritime Consulting LLC on the WEB: http://www.hammondmaritime.com