The PEME Clinics

Since 1996, 32 clinics have been accredited into the scheme. Clinics approved by the Club are fully accountable for excluding any examinee if in any doubt about fitness. The clinics liaise directly with the PEME team rather than with the manning agencies.

Information and examination results are compiled into an eight page medical report (some national tests require only two pages). Clinics can verify individual crew details before each medical exam by cross-checking against existing Club records via the Internet to avoid possible deception by examinees.

The UK Club manages an on-line database of all its examinee medical records. This information allows the PEME team to review statistics on nationality, causes of unfitness etc.

Pre-employment medicals are offered to the UK Club's PEME standard in twelve crew supply countries. Clinic selection is driven by the geographical requirements of Members.

The PEME team regularly discusses requirements with participating owners and clinics. Currently, operations are being expanded in Romania, Poland and Spain. If Members have suggestions for additional clinics in countries where there are none, they should contact the PEME team to discuss their requirements.

PEME Programme Director, Sophia Grant, explains. "Enhanced health screening and direct accountability by clinics for performance provide a credible system for minimizing the risks of employing seafarers with pre-existing illnesses. The programme provides the seafarers with the confidence that they are fit for the duration of their contracts."