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Last updated 14/05/2026

Medical Certificate Information

Seafarer Medical Fitness Certificate (SMFC) Requirements

In order to join your ship, you must hold a valid Seafarer Medical Fitness Certificate (SMFC). This certificate confirms that you are fit to live and work onboard. You will not be permitted to join your ship without a valid certificate.

Your medical certificate must remain valid for the full duration of your tour of duty, plus an additional 30 days after your sign-off date. Please note that you will not be able to renew your certificate once onboard.

You are required to submit your SMFC to your Global Talent Partner (GTP) or CUK Compliance contact at least one month before your joining date.

You must also bring your original medical certificate with you in the format it was issued (e.g. a hard copy, not laminated). The only exception is Bermudan medical certificates, which are issued digitally..

Important Medical Review Requirements

Please be aware that:

  • If your SMFC has been issued with a validity period of less than 12 months, or with any restrictions, you may be contacted by our shoreside medical team at crewmedical@carnivalukgroup.com for review.
  • If your certificate has been issued with a validity period of less than 24 months and/or includes restrictions, you must declare this on your Health Declaration and attend the medical center within 2 days of embarkation.
  • This requirement does not apply where reduced validity is standard due to age or issuing authority processes (e.g. Canada: 6-month initial certificates, Ukraine: 1-year validity etc).

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: crewmedical@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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