Beginning July 1, 2021, an annual physical through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan will be required prior to shipping out.
The SIU and the American Maritime Association (AMA, representing companies that are signatory to the standard freightship and tanker agreements) last year had dropped the requirement for a union physical, due to pandemic-related considerations. Only a valid Coast Guard or Military Sealift Command physical had been required, unless the Seafarer left their last ship Not Fit For Duty or required shots.
The union and the AMA have agreed to return to the old protocols, thereby reinstating the requirement for an annual physical through the union.
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