Complete Seafarer Medical Test List (PEME)
Many candidates preparing for ship joining ask the same question:
“What tests are done in seafarer medical examination?”
The Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) evaluates whether a seafarer can safely perform duties during long voyages where advanced medical care may not be immediately available.
The goal of PEME is not to detect minor illness — it is to evaluate the risk of sudden medical events during voyage.
Basic Physical Examination
Typical clinical checks include:
- Height, weight and BMI calculation
- Blood pressure measurement
- General physical examination
- Respiratory system assessment
- Cardiovascular examination
Common Blood Tests
Most PEME panels include:
- Blood sugar (fasting or random)
- Liver function tests (SGPT / SGOT / GGT)
- Complete blood count
- Lipid profile in some candidates
Understanding abnormal results beforehand can prevent unexpected deferral.
Read: High Liver Enzymes in Seafarer Medical
Urine Examination
Urine test helps detect:
- Kidney issues
- Diabetes indicators
- Infection
Heart Evaluation
Eyesight and Colour Vision
Visual assessment includes:
- Visual acuity (with or without glasses)
- Colour vision testing
- Depth perception
Deck duties require stricter colour perception.
Read: Colour Vision Rules
Additional Evaluations
Depending on age and medical history:
- Chest X-ray
- Drug screening
- Hearing evaluation
- Specialist review for chronic conditions
Why Candidates Become Temporary Unfit
Temporary unfit often occurs due to:
- High blood pressure during exam
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Uncontrolled blood sugar
- Abnormal ECG
- Recent surgery recovery
Understand Temporary Unfit Meaning
Before travelling long distances for PEME, many candidates prefer basic awareness of possible risk indicators.
Use PEME Risk Self-Assessment Tool