Recognizing the importance of seafarers in keeping the global economy running, some European ports are now offering free COVID-19 vaccines to seafarers. The first COVID-19 vaccine in the European Union started in Belgium last June 1. Around 2,200 seamen got their jabs in the Port of Antwerp for that month. Antwerp is one of the […]
Category: Seafarer Health
What to Expect When Joining Your Ship Despite Having the Vaccines
Coronavirus vaccines are now available in many countries, especially in Europe and the US. In fact, they already started mass vaccination to flatten the daily rise of cases. Many countries are also slacking their quarantine measures as a means to restart the economy. With the vaccines mass-produced and restrictions lifted, seafarers would think joining and […]
Seafaring Life Amidst the Global Corona Virus Outbreak
It’s all over the news. The coronavirus outbreak is gripping people in fear. Nobody is allowed to leave their homes as the government imposes community lockdown and quarantine. Pubs, restaurants, cafes, parks, and public places are empty. As a seaman, being in a quarantine sounds normal. We are living in this huge cubicle with about […]
What to Do If You Fail the Pre-employment Medical Exam
In my previous post, I shared my personal account regarding the results of my Pre-employment Medical Exam (PEME). Linking similar outcome to other seafarers prove that there is something fishy going on within some of our medical clinics. Are there medical scams going on around here? Your guess and experience is as good as mine. […]
Medical Scams Targeting Seamen? A Seafarer Shares His Story
March 2015. I underwent a medical examination for my pre-employment. The medical clinic was new, and I hadn’t heard many complaints from fellow seafarers who had gone there before me. Unfortunately, this would be my first time experiencing one of the cheekiest medical scams. When I was getting my medical check-up, everything seemed fine except […]
How to Pass Your Seaman’s Medical Examination Without Any Hits
Pre-employment medical examination for seafarers also known as PEME is mandated by international regulations for persons working on ships. Many seafarers undergo PEME everyday. From first-time cadets to old and experienced seamen, each one must prove their mind and body fitness by passing the required medical exams. Unfortunately, not all seafarers who take these batteries […]