The recent worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 (coronavirus) has affected the availability of crew and opportunity for crew changes within the global fleet. Travel restrictions and additional screening have compounded the issue. 

Crew working longer contracts has understandably led some shipowners and operators to become concerned for crew on-board who may have expired medical certificates. This week, the UK Club Crew Health team received their first enquiries regarding crew with medical certificates due to expire before the opportunity to renew medical fitness.

To address this concern, the UK Club Crew Health team have recently updated their guidelines in line with the updated information released by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency entitled "Revised medical certification policy during COVID-19 pandemic information for Merchant Seafarers and Fishermen".

The updated UK Club guidelines allow for a 6 month temporary extension for all medical certificates through the PEME Programme and issued by Club approved clinics. Any employer of crew examined under the UK Club scheme may seek further details and/or confirmation from the Club Crew Health team. 

Additional resources on the Covid-19 outbreak can be found on the UK Club's designated Covid-19 landing page.