Last updated 21/08/2025
Medical Certificate Information
In order to join your ship, you need to hold a valid Seafarers Medical Fitness Certificate. This certificate confirms that you’re fit and well to live and work onboard.
You won’t be able to join your ship unless you hold a valid Seafarers Medical Fitness Certificate.
The certificate needs to cover the length of your tour of duty/assignment (plus 30 days after the end of your tour of duty). You won’t be able to renew your medical certificate part way through your tour of duty.
You will need to send your Seafarers Medical Fitness Certificate to your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact at least one month before you board your ship.
You MUST bring your original medical certificate with you in the format it was issued, for example a hard copy not laminated. The only exception to this would be for Bermudan medical certificates, which are now isssued digitally.
How do I obtain a Medical Certificate?
The medical certificate you need will depend on your country of residence.
Click here to find out how to obtain a medical certificate.
Who pays for my Medical Certificate?
What we pay for: CUK will cover the cost of your medical certificate and fitness examination. If you need to pay upfront, you can claim these expenses back once on board. Alternatively, dependent on your Global Talent Partner you may be able to claim through them, who will then invoice CUK directly.
What you pay for: Any costs for additional investigations, dental treatment, dental certification, medical referrals and medical reports that are needed for the certificate. You will also be required to cover the cost of travel to and from the medical facility.
Do you need medical clearance?
Please be aware that you must obtain clearance from the shoreside medical department before joining the ship if:
- You have undergone surgery or been admitted to hospital during your time at home / off assignment.
- You have undergone investigations (including routine screening) during your time at home / off assignment, and you have not yet received the results.
- You have been diagnosed with a new chronic health condition.
- You have been scheduled for an operation or medical appointment and have not yet received the appointment date, or the appointment date is within your scheduled Tour of Duty / Assignment.
- You have experienced any injuries or episodes of illness during your time at home / off assignment that may impact your fitness to return to work.
The shore-side medical department can be contacted via email: medicalupdates@carnivalukgroup.com
If you do not declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your seafarer’s medical examiner or the onboard medical team by completing the pre-boarding health declaration, and you are subsequently medically disembarked due to this, your benefits may be impacted.
Personal Medication
If you have a medical condition, it’s essential that you bring enough medication to last the entire length of your contract and declare this via a pre-embarkation health declaration. If you don’t do this, you will be charged for medication, or, in the event of your medication not being available, you may be repatriated home, and any contractual benefits may be impacted.
Have Questions?
Click here for Compliance FAQs. If your question can’t be answered, contact your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance Contact for assistance
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