Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

26        MANNING – THE SKIPPER

26.4     Medical Fitness

26.4.1 The skipper should be medically fit, bearing in mind that he or she is responsible for the passengers in the case of an emergency.  

26.4.2 In order to obtain an MCA Passenger BML or RYA Certificate endorsed for commercial purposes, the individual must provide proof of fitness, through completion by a medical practitioner of a medical report form (the ML5).

26.4.3 If the skipper does not hold one of these certificates, the following will be accepted as evidence of medical fitness:

1.  Seafarers Medical Fitness Certificate (ENG1 or acceptable non-UK equivalent);
2. Civil Aviation Authority Commercial Pilot’s Licence,
3.  Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Diving Medical Certificate,
4.  DVLA Group 2 Driver’s Licence.

For 2. to 4. above, the following will also apply:

         1.The validity of the evidence of medical fitness would be that of the “parent” licence – e.g. one year in the case of a CAA commercial pilot’s licence.

        2. In the case of the HSE diving medical and the DVLA Group 2 licence, evidence of satisfactory colour vision should be checked by an optician (but see paragraph 26.5.3).

        3. In the case of the above named equivalent medicals, a declaration should be required, signed by the applicant confirming the following:

         the contact details of the examining doctor, their consent for the administration to obtain further medical information if required, and the date of the examination; and

        that they have not had any medical conditions requiring hospital admission, regular prescribed medication, or continuing medical surveillance, since the alternative medical was carried out; and

         that they have no conditions limiting strength, stamina, or flexibility, such that they could not cope with emergencies on board, such as recovering someone who has fallen overboard or fighting a fire; and

         that they will seek revised medical fitness certification and submit this to the Administration if the licence accepted as evidence of medical fitness is revoked for any reason, or if they suffer any illness or accident affecting their fitness to operate the vessel, during the period of the licence/certificate.

26.4.4 Otherwise the skipper should provide his or her employer with a self-declaration of fitness for the operation, confirming that he or she suffers from none of the conditions listed in Annex 11.  Where any of the listed conditions are present, this may indicate a high risk of incapacity. This would be inappropriate for the skipper, who is responsible for passengers at all times. It is therefore recommended that medical advice is sought on the fitness of the individual to carry out his or her duties.