Maritime and aviation medicine in Germany: special medical checks for workers in these sectors

Maritime and aviation medicine in Germany: special medical checks for professionals in these sectors

What is maritime medicine (Schifffahrtsmedizin)?
Maritime medicine focuses on the health and safety of people working at sea (shipping, commercial vessels, cruise ships). It includes:

• assessing physical and mental fitness for work under maritime conditions

• periodic examinations in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)

• ensuring the person can cope with isolation, stress, and a changing, restricted environment

Required certificate:
Seediensttauglichkeitsbescheinigung
Meaning: a certificate proving fitness for sea service.

Typical checks include:

Area | Content
Vision | eyesight and night vision test
Hearing | hearing test
Heart/circulation | blood pressure and pulse
Mental health | ability to handle stress and isolation
Prohibited substances | drug/alcohol screening (urine rapid test)
Validity | usually valid for 2 years

What is aviation medicine (Flugmedizin)?
Aviation medicine focuses on the health and safety of aviation professionals—from pilots to cabin crew—and is regulated by:

• Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA)

• EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency)

Required certificates:

Category | Certificate
Pilots | Class 1 Medical Certificate
Private pilots | Class 2 Medical Certificate
Cabin crew | Cabin Crew Attestation + Medical

Typical checks include:

Area | Content
Vision | visual acuity, color vision, peripheral vision
Hearing | device-based hearing test
Heart/circulation | ECG and blood pressure check
Breathing | spirometry (often for smokers/older pilots)
Mental fitness | alertness and mental endurance tests
Blood/urine tests | general health monitoring and prohibited substances

Validity period:
Depends on age and role:

• under 40: medical every 12 months

• over 40: every 6 months or depending on the role

Important notes:

• Examinations must be done by doctors approved by the LBA or the maritime medical service.

• Statutory health insurance usually does not cover these checks because they are for professional purposes; the cost is typically paid by the employer or the applicant.

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The writers and editors aim to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources. However, errors or unconfirmed details may occur. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.