We offer a basic course in maritime medicine for physicians. The aim of the course is twofold – general introduction to maritime medicine and education as certified seafarer’s doctor.
Following a recent review, a single course is offered to seafarer’s doctors practicing outside of Norway. This course is a combination of the previous basic and refresher courses and meets the requirements of the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). In accordance with the Norwegian Regulations of 5 June 2014 No. 805 On the medical examination of employees on Norwegian ships and mobile offshore units, Section 7, prior to approval by the NMA, a seafarer’s doctor must successfully complete an approved course in maritime medicine. The course provided by the Norwegian Centre of Maritime and Diving Medicine is approved by the NMA. The new Regulations of 2014 increase the authority and the obligations of the certified seafarer’s doctors, and the course is regarded as important for professional reasons in addition to being a requirement according to the Regulations.
Course information
The duration of the course is three days. Attendance at all of the lectures is compulsory in order to successfully complete the course. The course fee includes lunch and coffee breaks for the entire course. Accommodation is not included and must be booked individually. Distance learning of approximately 11 hours must be completed prior to attendance on the course. This includes the preparation of two clinical cases for discussion during the course. A pretest multiple choice examination must also be passed before attending the taught course. The taught course is 20 hours. A final course test must be passed. The course compendium, clinical cases for preparation prior to attendance at the course and the pre-test will be sent on e-mail as soon as registration is received.
Obtaining approval as an NMA certified seafarer’s doctor
All doctors are welcome to attend this course whether or not they wish to seek approval as a seafarer’s doctors from the NMA. It must be noted that attendance and successful completion of this course does not guarantee approval as an NMA certified seafarer’s doctor. The approval process starts with an assessment of the needs for another doctor to be approved in the country or region of concern. If this is considered necessary, a doctor will be approved, provided necessary competence is documented – including the successful completion of a mandatory course. If the Norwegian Embassy does not regard an additional doctor necessary, approval cannot be guaranteed, even if the course is passed. We recommend that any doctor who seeks approval as an NMA certified seafarer’s doctor contacts the relevant Norwegian Embassy to explore whether he or she can expect approval.
More information
More information can be obtained from course coordinator Anne Gurd Lindrup including attendance fee, date and location for planned courses. anne.gurd.lindrup@helse-bergen.no
