
Marine Seafarer Medical Exams
Transport Canada & Other
In Canada, it is obligatory for all seafarers and mariners working on commercial waterborne vessels to hold essential certifications mandated by Transport Canada.
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The seafarer medical examination will assess your physical fitness and overall health to ensure that you are capable of fulfilling the necessary duties.
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After successfully completing the medical examination, you will receive a provisional medical certificate, valid for up to 6 months. The final certificate, subject to approval, will be issued by Transport Canada.​
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We also provide international certificates
Our certified Marine Medical Examiner is Dr Matthew Kalinowski
Our office is conveniently located in Downtown Vancouver and we would be happy to help with your certification!​
Please refer to the FAQ below for more details, including information on costs.
Questions? Email us at marinemedical@skymedicalclinic.com
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I book an appointment?You can now book all of your appointments with Dr. Matthew Kalinowski, Dr. Leszek Kalinowski and Dr. Adrian Fitch on our website. Alternatively, please contact our office by phone or email. For Dr. Jacek Cieslak, please contact his office at: 223 Nelsons Crescent, New Westminster BC V3L 0E4 Canada. Telephone: 604-524-4141.
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I need a refill on my medication. Can I do this over the phone or by fax?It is preferred that you schedule an appointment with your primary doctor to have your medication refilled. Please keep track of your medications and call before you run out, as we cannot guarantee that a doctor will be available on the day you run out. If you happen to lose track of time, pharmacies will be more than happy to offer you an emergency supply until your next appointment.
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How long will it take to get my referral or specialist appointment?All specialists are different. Any referrals done from our clinic are faxed the day of your appointment, and from then on out it is the specialist’s office who is responsible for that appointment. Wait times can be anywhere from 1 week to 1 year depending on your needs. Our clinic has no control over the speed in which you get these appointments. Once they are scheduled, the specialist’s office will either contact you directly, or fax us with the details which we will then forward to you.
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I don’t have my insurance card with me, can I still receive treatment?Yes, as long as you know your MSP number. Otherwise, we will be happy to see you as a private patient if required.
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What services are not covered by MSP?Some services are not covered by MSP. These include, but are not limited to, sick notes, work or employment physicals, insurance forms, Roadsafe BC driver forms, government forms, travel advice. ​ You can find up to date billing guidance here, which are updated annually: ​ https://www.doctorsofbc.ca/sites/default/files/uninsured_services1apr2024.pdf
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Will the doctor follow-up with me with my results?While we make every effort to notify you of any abnormal results, it is ultimately the patient's responsibility to follow up with their doctor regarding all test results. If symptoms persist or worsen, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor or health care professional. To ensure timely follow-up, please ask our staff or the doctor about the expected timeframe for your test results to become available.
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Any more questions?Please contact us for any more questions you may have.
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What is the cost of the Marine Medical examination?The cost of a marine medical examination is not covered by MSP. However, if your employer covers the expense, we offer direct billing and will also provide you with an invoice. Our clinic offers competitive pricing, with Transport Canada medical examinations priced at $280.00 + GST per assessment. We accept all forms of payment, including bank e-transfer and major debit & credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) For non-Transport Canada examinations, please contact us directly for a quote, as the cost varies depending on the specific form and exams required.
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What do I need to bring?1. Your CDN number. If you don't have one, you can apply for one through Transport Canada. More information is available via this link: 2. A piece of government issued photo ID. 3. A previous Marine Medical Certificate, if you have one. This includes any restrictions you may have had in the past. 4. A list of any medications you are taking. 5. Knowledge of your past medical history. 6. Prescription eye glasses or contact lenses, if you have them. We will need to test you vision without corrective lenses. 7. Any supportive documentation you feel would be helpful to submit with your application (optometry reports, specialist reports, etc)
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What happens during your Marine Medical Exam (MME)?We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your overall health, examine for any pre-existing medical conditions, and establish a medical baseline for continuous monitoring. This involves analyzing a urine sample, testing uncorrected visual acuity and color perception, as well as conducting a pertinent physical examination. Additionally, you might be required to fill out medical questionnaires during the process.
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What if I don't have a CDN Number?If you require a certificate issued by Transport Canada, you will require a CDN Number. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen to apply for one. For information on obtaining a CDN Number, click here.
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Where can I find out more?Visit the Transport Canada website here. For a list of local Transport Canada Marine Safety Services (TMCSS) offices, click here.
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How long is the Marine Medical Certificate Valid?Upon passing the medical examination, you'll receive a provisional Marine Medical Certificate valid for 6 months. This allows you to start working while Transport Canada makes a final decision on your full Marine Medical Certification. The final certificate's validity depends on two factors: Your health: If you're deemed "fit with limitations," the certificate's validity may be shorter than usual. Voyage type: Certificates for domestic voyages are typically valid for up to 5 years, while international voyages, outside Canada, may have a 2-year validity period. Transport Canada will assess your medical information and determine the final validity period based on these criteria. You can find more information here
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What about ENG-1?Canada is a country whose Transport Canada Seafarer Medical Certificates are accepted as Equivalent to the UK Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG 1).