As previously reported, earlier this year, SIU headquarters distributed to all ports new medical guidelines and hearing and vision standards that the National Maritime Center (NMC) began using to evaluate applications for original and renewal merchant mariner documents and licenses. Those guidelines have now been made final. The guidelines underwent an extensive review (over a three-year period) by a merchant marine personnel advisory committee that included representatives from the SIU and other unions; the final draft recommendations were forwarded to the Coast Guard in the spring. The SIU worked especially hard to ensure the new guidelines were the least burdensome on mariners as possible.The new guidelines are considerably more rigid than the old, officially to help ensure safety and productivity. They include conditions and categories such as hearing and vision loss; body mass index; alcohol and drug dependency/abuse; and a long list of other medical conditions that will require a waiver. Many of the medical conditions on the list are new with the new guidelines.
To download the lists of conditions covered in the guidelines, go to NMC’s web site: www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvic/2000s.asp#2008
For a waiver form go to: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/downloads.asp
Mariners with questions are encouraged to contact NMC’s Medical Evaluation Branch via e-mail at: marinermedical@uscg.mil or call 1-888-IASKNMC (1-888-427-5662).
Following are some tips from the Coast Guard when getting a medical evaluation:
1. Start early – The Coast Guard recommends starting the process six months prior to the expiration of the seafarer’s merchant mariner documentation. Some of the reasons are that mariners may need follow-up examinations, time to get reports and appointments, etc.
2. Be sure to get copies of any recent evaluation reports and medical records concerning current and active conditions.
3. Always tell the truth during the process. Non-disclosure of conditions or falsifying statements is not only a federal offense but will result in not receiving credentials when caught.
4. If issued a waiver that has conditions or additional requirements, follow up on the recommendations fully and right away.
5. If the MMD/z-card is denied, appeal immediately. There is a 60-day deadline to appeal after the denial. A denial letter will be sent by the NMC with instructions for subsequent steps.
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