China Maritime Safety Administration recently announced that the new mandatory national standard " Criteria of Physical Examination for Seafarers" has been officially implemented from June 1,2022.

This is the first revision of "Crew Health Inspection Requirements" (GB30035-2021) since its implementation on July 1, 2014.

The new version is based on Guidelines for Seafarers‘ Medical Examination of IMO and ILO and it is revised with the reference to health requirements of seafarers around the world and other domestic industries. The development of navigation technology, the occupational characteristics of the crew on board and other factors were also considered comprehensively in this revision.

The main contents of the revision include: lowering the standard of naked vision; lowering the demand of corrected vision for engine department crew on duty and radio operators, stewards and other crew; abolishing the requirement of different height for men and women at the same occupation; lowering the height restriction with crew for some occupations; optimizing and adjusting appropriately on blood pressure, hearing, occupational restrictions and contraindications.

The revision of " Criteria of Physical Examination for Seafarers"(GB30035-2021) is a positive measure to carry out the Outline of Strategic Construction of Traffic Power which released by the State Council. It will play a good role in broadening the channels of crew recruitment, expanding the enrollment source of maritime colleges and ensuring employment and people's livelihood. It is of great significance for standardizing the crew health examination to ensure their competency, promoting the healthy development of China's seafarers, and ensuring the safety of water traffic and protecting the rights and interests of seafarers. The reversion will provide powerful support to promote the development of China's transportation.