Section 1 Cardiovascular Disease
A. Congenital – atrial septal defects or small ventricular septal defects with no haemodynamic significance, or congenital heart disease should be individually assessed by a cardiologist and the resulting report used in the decision process. If the risk of complication is low and the individual has no physical restrictions reference seafaring duties this may be acceptable. Surveillance may be required.
B. Valvular – significant valvular disease as assessed by a cardiologist is unacceptable. If successfully treated by surgery, suitability for seafarer duties may be acceptable if they are asymptomatic and are not on treatment. Antibiotic prophylaxis needs to be considered when evaluating suitability for unrestricted certification.
C. Hypertension – well controlled and uncomplicated high blood pressure is acceptable. The appropriate Irish Hypertension Guidelines should be used as the usual reference for the condition. As a guideline, blood pressure measurements greater than 150mmHg of mercury systolic and or 90mmHg of mercury diastolic should require referral to a seafarer’s General Practitioner for lifestyle advice and investigation. Under these circumstances, the seafarer should be declared unfit pending General Practitioner confirmation of adequate control of blood pressure.
D. Ischaemia – while a history of myocardial ischaemia is not necessarily unacceptable, certain conditions need to be considered in determining suitability for seafaring duties. Patients with documented coronary artery disease who are treated medically should be taking optimum medication and should be symptom-free for at least 6 months. Furthermore, they must be able to complete a Bruce Protocol Exercise Test to a level of stage 3 without symptoms or signs of ischaemia. Those who experience changes above stage 3 require cardiological assessment. Certain standards allow discretion with cardiological input for individuals to return to work at sea despite having the above symptoms. Under these circumstances discussions should take place following cardiological assessment with the medical adviser of the seafarer and annual reassessment with a cardiologist is required. Following myocardial infarction (heart attack), 4 months post event without symptoms, and no evidence of reversible ischaemia by successful completion of a Bruce Protocol Exercise test stage 3 would be compatible with suitability for seafaring duties. If an individual has had invasive cardiac investigations, a standard of left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 40% and non-threatening cardiovascular anatomy on coronary angiogram is required. Threatening anatomy includes 50% or more proximal left anterior descending disease before the first sepal branch and left main stem stenosis as well as 3-vessel disease. With respect to angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery, similar standards to that of myocardial infarction would apply. In all cases of ischaemic heart disease, a restricted certificate for 1 year with annual reassessment by a cardiologist is required, and in addition, they must meet the standards of the Bruce Protocol Exercise test as indicated above.
E. Arrhythmia – seafarers should be declared unfit if cardiac arrhythmia exists until they are investigated, treated and the adequacy of treatment concerned. If the arrhythmia produces symptoms or causes incapacitation, then expert cardiological opinion is required.
F. Peripheral Cardiovascular Disease – if any individual has had a deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis within a 3-month period, with or without immobilization, this is unacceptable. Recurrent conditions would require further investigation and therefore should be declared unfit pending investigations. Varicose veins per se are not a disbar to successful seafaring capacity but if associated with eczema, ulcers or complications then further assessment and specialist opinion is required. Peripheral arterial disease to include intermittent claudication, aneurysms or systematic peripheral vascular disease is unacceptable. Consider capability of seafarer to fly when assessing the situation. Seafarers who are on anticoagulants are unacceptable.
G. Pulmonary Embolism - a single episode of pulmonary embolism requires careful assessment and specialist report but recurrent pulmonary embolism is incompatible with seafaring duties.
H. Cerebrovascular Disease – untreated cerebrovascular disease to include stroke, transient ishaemic attack or dementia is unacceptable and the seafarer would be declared unfit. If the cerebrovascular disease is treated with limited risk of reoccurrence or residual defect, suitability for seafaring duties may be acceptable subject to independent specialist assessment and report. Specific consideration of unrestricted certification needs to be carefully evaluated.
I. Other – the presence of a permanent pacemaker requires cardiological assessment and confirmation that the seafarer is free of syncope or other complications. Annual cardiological review is required to continue seafaring duties. Seafarers need to be aware of the potential risks of coming into contact with powerful electromagnetic fields. Potential seafarers with overdrive pacemakers or implantable defibrillators are not suitable for employment as a seafarer.
Section 2 Respiratory Disease
A. Upper Respiratory Tract (nose, throat) – sinusitis (acute, chronic and throat infections) are unfit until resolved and treated.
B. Lower Respiratory Tract – obstructive or restrictive pulmonary disease such as bronchitis, emphysema and any other pulmonary disease with significant recurrent disability is unacceptable. Spirometry is recommended to determine the severity of chronic conditions. The forced expiratory volume in 1 (FEV1) second is a useful indicator of the extent of chronic disease. An FEV1 between 60 and 80% predicated suggests mild disease with minimal symptoms and therefore would be declared fit for seafaring duties. An FEV1 between 40 and 59% predicated suggests moderate disease and, while suitable for sedentary duties, would compromise an ability to respond to emergency situation. Consequently this would render a seafarer unfit. An FEV1 of less than 40% predicated indicates severe disease and is incompatible with seafaring duties. Pulmonary tuberculosis is unacceptable until treatment is concluded and has been certified by the appropriate specialist. With respect to the diagnosis of asthma, an individual should be assessed on the past 2 years of disease presentation.
Mild asthma is usually compatible with seafaring duties and is defined by infrequent non-disabling episodes; normal exercise tolerance; absence of hospitalisation; good knowledge and awareness of illness with ability to modify own treatment; and symptoms which do not require high dose inhaled or oral steroids. Moderate or severe asthma renders a seafarer unfit. If there is doubt or dispute reference the diagnosis or extent of the problem, specialist assessment is indicated. There may be requirement for the wearing of compressed air breathing apparatus in fire fighting situations and therefore only patients with mild asthma would be appropriate in this regard. This could also be assessed via a specialist opinion.
Section 3 Gastrointestinal Disease
A. Oral/Dental – clinically significant diseases of the mouth and teeth with significant pain are unacceptable until treated and resolved.
B. Peptic Ulcer – active and acute peptic ulcer disease is unacceptable. If the disease process has resolved and the risk of recurrence or complications is minimal then it may be appropriate to declare the seafarer suitable for duties subject to asymptomatic condition with suitable maintenance treatment. Persistent or recurrent peptic ulcer disease is unacceptable.
C. Gastritis /Oesophagitis – minor non-disabling conditions are acceptable.
D. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Ulcerative Colitis/Crohn’s Disease) – is unacceptable until the condition has been stabilised and controlled on medication. A 3-month period of remission prior to declaring suitability to resume seafaring duties is required. A specialist appointment and/or assessment may be required. Severe or recurrent disease is unacceptable.
E. Other Large Bowel Conditions – other conditions to include diverticulitis, haemorrhoids, fistulae and other lower bowel conditions are unacceptable until treated and fully resolved. If these conditions become severe or recurrent then these are unacceptable.
F. Hernia – the presence of hernia is unacceptable until satisfactorily surgical repaired.
G. Stoma – this is usually acceptable as long as the personal management of the condition is compatible within the confines of seafaring accommodation. This will require the provision of private facilities for bag changing and stoma hygiene.
H. Liver and Biliary Tract Disease – serious or progressive conditions of the above system are unacceptable and all individuals with significant history of the above disorders should require a specialist report. Recurrent, progressive or disabling disease is unacceptable.
Section 4 Genitourinary System
A. Sub Clinical Abnormalities – the sub clinical abnormalities as found at urine testing should render a seafarer unfit until fully investigated and cause is resolved. Discretion can be allowed for trace positive results.
B. Renal Calculi – the presence of renal or genital urinary calculi is unacceptable until successfully treated.
C. Infections (acute/chronic) – acute or chronic infections are unacceptable until investigated and resolved or following specialist assessment.
D. Renal Failure – any chronic renal condition, which can lead to renal failure, is unacceptable. Any significant kidney disease in an individual with one kidney is unacceptable unless a nephrologist determines otherwise. Seafarers utilising Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) are unacceptable.
E. Renal Transplant – patients with renal transplant are usually unacceptable because of the degree of immunosupression required.
F. Enuresis – significant clinical incontinence is normally unacceptable unless well managed and controlled and supported by a specialist opinion.
G. Prostatic Disease – active prostatic disease/infection is unacceptable until successfully treated, as is enlargement of the prostate, which interferes with adequate bladder function.
H. Gynaecological Conditions – any gynaecological condition producing significant symptoms to include heavy vaginal bleeding; severe menstrual pain; endometriosis; prolapse of genital organs; or other conditions are unacceptable until successfully treated.
I. Testicular Conditions – active or significant conditions of the testicles, which produce symptoms of pain or discomfort, require careful assessment but may not be unacceptable.
J. Sexually Transmitted Diseases – active sexually transmitted disease is unacceptable until treated and fully resolved.
K. HIV and Aids – HIV positive status is not a disbar to fitness for seafaring duties if there is no reasonably foreseeable risk from side-effects of treatment or requirements for frequent surveillance. Unclear issues may require specialist opinion. Aids related illnesses would normally be unacceptable.
Section 5 Musculo-skeletal System
A. Arthritis – because of the physical demands of seafaring duties, active arthritis interfering with mobility and or normal limb function is unacceptable but will require a specialist report of the current stability and future prognosis, prior to determining the long term situation. Seafarers who have had hip or knee joint replacement are unacceptable because of the increased risk of infection and/or dislocation.
B. Other Joint Conditions – other joint conditions if producing disabling symptoms or limitation of mobility are unacceptable until satisfactorily treated.
C. Limb Prostheses – this is acceptable where an individual can meet the mobility requirements of onboard life. Arrangements for fitting prostheses in an emergency must be confirmed. This may require practical assessment and/or communication with the company’s medical adviser. Usually only small prostheses of foot or hand will be appropriate reference suitability for seafaring.
D. Back Conditions – acute back pain due to mechanical or other conditions such as disc lesions are unacceptable until resolved and/or adequately treated. This will require detailed assessment and may require MRI scans and/or specialist opinion. Recurrent or incapacitating back conditions are unacceptable.
Section 6 Endocrine/Metabolic Diseases
A. Diabetes – non-insulin dependent diabetes will normally be acceptable as long as it is stable and well-controlled demonstrating 6 months stability. It may be necessary to review the frequency of medical examinations. Insulin dependent diabetes may be acceptable for near coastal seafaring duties only with appropriate information. It is important that good long established control (at least 6 months) is mandatory and individuals need to be motivated reference the self-management of their insulin requirements. The assessment should be on a case-by-case basis and no secondary complications of the disease must exist. Reports from their diabetic specialist will be required in all cases. The certificate should be issued with annual review. Insulin dependent diabetics are unsuitable for watchkeeping duties or lone working or for distant waters.
B. Other Endocrine Disorders – active endocrine disease is unacceptable until fully assessed and resolved and it may be appropriate to seek specialist opinions in all cases.
C. Other Metabolic Diseases – these require individual assessment and specialist opinion.
D. Obesity – This requires individual assessment with particular regard to the impairment of mobility and exercise tolerance in routine and emergency duties. Physical fitness may be defined as “the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigour and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure-time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies.” It represents the achievement of an optimal state of physiological and psychological functioning with low health-risk factors. A body mass index greater than 35 is unacceptable for seafaring duties. For those individuals with body mass indices between 30 and 35, the results of a physical fitness test will enable an appropriate evidence-based decision on their suitability for seafaring duties. In these circumstances, a Chester Step Fitness test should be carried out and, if the results are average or better than average, then an individual should be declared suitable for seafaring duties even with a body mass index between 30 and 35. Suitable advice with respect to weight reduction and augmentation of lifestyle should, of course, be included as part of the assessment.
Section 7 Skin Disorders
A. Infection – skin infections are unacceptable until satisfactorily treated and this has particular indications for catering staff. Recurrent skin infections may therefore be deemed unacceptable reference catering duties.
B. Psoriasis – active significant psoriasis, which is defined by requiring inpatient treatment and /or chemotherapy, needs specialist assessment. In active stages this is unacceptable until controlled and in remission.
C. Eczema – mild eczema is not a disbar to seafaring employment but extensive disease may require specialist referral and patch testing. Persistent recurrent or disabling eczema is unacceptable.
Section 8 Blood Diseases
A. Anaemia – severe anaemia with symptoms is unacceptable until satisfactorily investigated and treated.
B. Inherited blood conditions (e.g. Sickle Cell Anaemia) – should not prevent an individual from working as a seafarer unless the complications arising from the treatment of the disorders present significant problems. Under these circumstances specialist opinion should be sought but may be unacceptable.
C. Splenectomy – post-splenectomy seafarers need individual assessment with particular reference to restriction on service in tropical areas because of the risk of infection. Individuals without ongoing problems or past history of issues are usually acceptable. Advice needs to be given reference prophylaxis for infections and restrictions may need to be considered in tropical climates due to risk of malaria.
D. Polycythaemia – full assessment is required and seafarers are acceptable provided treatment does not interfere with the requirements to be at sea for prolonged periods of time and the condition is stabilised and well-controlled.
E. Coagulation Disorders – individuals with coagulation disorders who present with spontaneous haemorrhages are unacceptable. Specialist opinion is required.
F. Malignancy of the Haemopoietic System – individuals with malignancies are unfit for seafaring duties when undergoing treatment or while receiving immunosuppression. Specialist opinion and assessment is required in all cases.
G. Immunosuppression – any medication, which causes significant immunosuppression will render a seafarer unfit for the duration for treatment and for a period of time following treatment until the individual is no longer at risk of infection.
Section 9 Diseases of the Nervous System
A. Organic Disease – any organic neurological disorder is unacceptable while under investigation and until stabilised. If there is any significant defect of consciousness, cognitive function, muscular power, balance, mobility, sensation or co-ordination then this is unacceptable. Specialist opinion should be sought in most cases, especially if presentation is ambiguous or uncertain.
B. Epilepsy – epilepsy, with the persistence of epileptic seizures to include one or more per year, is unacceptable with respect to seafaring duties. Individuals who have had a single unexplained seizure may be suitable to work as a seafarer if, following a consultant neurological opinion, it is confirmed that their risk of further seizure on or off medication is equivalent to that of the general population and following a period of 12 months seizure-free. If an individual with epilepsy has been seizure-free for the last 10 years, has not taken anti-epileptic medication during that period, and has not got a continuing liability to epilepsy, then suitability for seafaring duties is considered subject to specialist clearance.
C. Head Injury or Surgery - following head injury or cranial surgery without epileptic seizures the risk of post surgical or post injury epilepsy must be below 2% and specialist neurological opinion is required in all cases.
D. Migraine – severe disabling or frequent migraine is unacceptable. Once treated and stabilized, however, capacity for seafaring duties will be considered.
E. Syncope – an episode of syncope or other disturbance of consciousness is unacceptable until investigated and specific neurological and cardiological causes excluded. Frequent attacks leading to incapacity will normally be unacceptable.
F. Meniere’s Disease/Balance Disorders/Motion Sickness – seafarers with a history of balance disorder are unacceptable until the symptoms have either resolved or been controlled for a minimum period of 3 months on medication. Meniere’s disease and/or motion sickness, where recurrent and incapacitating, is unacceptable.
G. Ear Infections – acute otitis externa and or media is unacceptable until treated and fully resolved. Particular care must be taken in respect of catering staff or food handlers.
H. Deafness – when the average loss at low frequencies (0.5, 1, 2 kHz) is documented at greater than 30dB (unaided) in the better ear and 40dB (unaided) in the other ear, then the individual may have difficulty hearing safety warnings. Further assessment is required to confirm their ability to hear a safety announcement, and if practically acceptable, then they will be suitable for seafaring duties. Hearing aids are acceptable only if unaided hearing meets minimum hearing standards as defined by pure tone audiometric assessment or satisfactory clinical voice testing.
Audiometric testing is mandatory for pre-employment assessments and every 2 years for engine-room personnel (Chief Engineering Officer, second engineering officer, officer of the watch {engineering}, electrical/electro technical officer and engine room ratings).
It is also required if there is a clinical index of suspicion to confirm or exclude any hearing defect.
In all other cases, appropriate voice testing will be adequate for purpose. Guidance on the use of voice testing for hearing is given in the Approved Doctor’s Manual.
I. Speech Defects – the only declaration of unacceptability reference speech defects is where effective communication, including where relevant by telephone and radio, is interfered with.
J. Sleep Disorders – seafarers suffering from sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnoea or narcolepsy should have careful assessment: significant symptoms with unpredictable drowsiness will be deemed unacceptable until adequately treated and controlled.
Section 10 Eyesight Standards and Eye Conditions
A. General - eyesight testing is carried out at every seafarer medical examination by an Approved Doctor using Keystone Vision screening or Snellen charts (distance vision and near vision). Visual acuity adequate to permit the individual to mobilize and work safely in the onboard environment is essential. Any eye disease or visual defect rendering the individual incapable of carrying out their job duties efficiently and safely is unacceptable. Normal visual fields are required for masters, deck officers, ratings and others required to undertake lookout duties. All others require sufficient visual fields for the purpose. This is defined as normal central fields and absence of gross field defect. A gross field defect would be considered to be quadrantanopia or greater defect or any visual field defect detectable on gross field examination within 20 degrees of fixation.
No person should be accepted for training for sea service if irremediable morbid condition of either eye, or the lids of either eye, is present and liable to the risk of aggravation or recurrence. Individuals who wish to go to sea as deck or engineering personnel, or who are considering dual qualifications are strongly advised to have their eyes tested before embarking on their career, in view of the particular importance for them to have good sight. The presence of diplopia, congenital night blindness, retinitis pigmentosa or any other serious or progressive eye disease is unacceptable reference fitness for seafaring.
Accommodation may be required for seafarers who indicate that they are dyslexic or where it becomes apparent during the course of the eyesight test. Dyslexia is a complex disorder with many variable degrees of presentation and clinical manifestation. It is not within the remit of an Approved Doctor to evaluate the extent of an individual with dyslexia but any potential applicant for a position as a seafarer needs to achieve the appropriate eyesight standards which will be assessed by the Approved Doctor.
Binocular vision is normally necessary for all categories of seafarers. However, monocular serving seafarers or those who become monocular in service and meet the required standards should be allowed to continue at sea.
Stereoscopic vision is not required for normal offshore tasks unless the individual is also required to operate cranes.
The Eyesight Standards are outlined in Table 1 (attached).
B. Visual Acuity – An uncorrected visual acuity of 6/60 is recommended to permit emergency mobilisation around a location without corrective lenses if necessary. In all cases where visual aids (spectacles or contact lenses) are required for the efficient performance of duties, a spare pair must be carried when seafaring. Where different visual aids are used for distant and near vision, a spare pair of each must be carried.
C. Monocular Vision – monocular vision is acceptable in existing seafarers only as long as the minimum standard of visual acuity is met and a suitable period of adaptation (3 months) has occurred.
D. Visual Fields – these should be full and unrestricted and where any deficit is detected a specialist’s opinion should be sought.
E. Colour Vision - colour vision testing is carried out at an initial seafarer medical examination by the Approved Doctor. The result is valid for a maximum period of 6 years. Aids to visual acuity may be used for colour vision testing but colour correction devices shall not be worn for colour testing.
Masters, deck officers and ratings required to undertake lookout duties should be tested with Ishihara Plates. Candidates who fail will be referred for further colour vision testing using Holmes Wright B Lantern.
All engineer officers and ratings forming part of an engine-room watch should be tested with Ishihara plates. Candidates who fail will be referred for confirmatory testing using City University test.
Radio officers and electrical/electronic officers should be tested with Ishihara Plates. Candidates who fail will be referred for confirmatory testing using City University test.
Other personnel should be tested for colour vision, where relevant for the duties to be undertaken, using Ishihara Plates.
Confirmatory colour vision testing will be undertaken at a designated referral centre and the costs of this will be the responsibility of the seafarer. Details of the designated centre are outlined in Annex D of this Notice. The result of confirmatory colour vision testing will be sent to the referring Approved Doctor who will issue the appropriate certificate.
F. Eye Diseases – specific eye diseases to include glaucoma and uveitis are satisfactory as long as the conditions are well controlled and visual acuity and visual fields meet acceptable standards. Specialist opinion may be required.
Section 11 Psychiatric/Mental Illness
A. Neurosis – acute neurosis to include anxiety and depression is unacceptable while under investigation and treatment until stabilised. Isolated events should not preclude satisfactory seafaring duties. Recurrent anxiety and/or depression, however, are unacceptable.
B. Psychosis – this is unacceptable until investigated and fully stabilised. Stabilisation criteria would usually require between 3 and 5 years stability off all medication. In all cases a specialist report is mandatory.
C. Addiction Disorders – alcohol dependence is unacceptable until the seafarer can demonstrate at least 1 year free from dependence following successful treatment and with satisfactory biological parameters. Specialist assessment may be required. Drug abuse is unacceptable for a minimum period of 5 years and subsequently will require negative testing for substance abuse and specialist report.
D. Other Psychological Disorders – to include personality disorders are acceptable as long as there is no evidence of dysfunction or anti-social behaviour, and in cases where clarification is required, a specialist report and opinion should be sought.
Section 12 Pregnancy
Pregnancy should not be equated with ill health. It should be regarded as part of everyday life and the health and safety implications can be adequately addressed by normal health and safety management procedures. Many women work while they are pregnant, and many return to work while they are still breastfeeding.
However, the particular demands of working on board ship can place pregnant workers at risk. Very few merchant ships carry doctors, and in the event of problems developing during pregnancy, a level of care equivalent to that available to an expectant mother working ashore is unlikely. Ship turn-around in ports is often very rapid allowing no time for routine antenatal care. Access to medical facilities in the event of premature labour might be delayed until ship reaches port.
The employment of pregnant workers at sea should be prohibited after the 28th week of pregnancy and for 6 weeks after birth except in cases where trips are of no more than 2 hours duration. Allowance in working time should be made to attend antenatal checks and there must be exemption from all emergency duties.
Action in relation to an individual worker is required when an employer has been told in writing that a worker is pregnant. A medical certificate may be requested to confirm the pregnancy. The employer should assess the risks to pregnant workers and implement reasonably practical measures to control those risks. If there is a significant risk at work to the safety or health of a new or expectant mother, then the following steps may be taken according to the level of risk:
Temporary adjustment of working conditions and/or hours of work.
Provision of suitable alternative work if available.
Suspension from work (paid leave) for as long as necessary.
Night work - special consideration must be given to new or expectant mother who works nights when she obtains a medical certificate stating that night work could affect her health and safety.
If a pregnant worker wishes to delay the start of her maternity leave beyond 28 weeks the following criteria should be met:
Seafarer should be employed on trips not longer than 2 hours duration.
Is able to attend appropriate antenatal checks in working time.
Has no emergency (muster) duties.
Employer’s risk assessment must show no significant risks to the worker or unborn child.
Advice from seafarer’s GP/obstetrician may be required.
Approved Doctor must assess seafarer and agree to her continued working; if not then she will not be issued with a certificate of fitness.
Seafarer will be entitled to appeal any failure or restriction.
Any significant change in her condition will require notification to her employer and re-appraisal of fitness to work by an Approved Doctor.
Section 13 Miscellaneous Conditions
A. Infections – active infectious disease is unacceptable until fully resolved and confirmed. Specific investigation with reference to catering staff may be required to include formal testing. This may include bacteriological clearance of various specimens.
B. Neoplasms – frank malignant disease is unacceptable but each case should be considered individually to include the extent of symptoms, the impact of the condition, treatment progress and normal functional capacity. A specialist report is required before making a final decision but if the individual is taking cytotoxic drugs, immunosupressants and/or steroids, they are unsuitable and unacceptable for seafaring duties. Prognosis needs special consideration to include risks of fractures, fits, bleeding etc.
C. Medication – any medication taken by an individual either prescribed or self-medicated should have careful assessment prior to certifying suitability for seafaring duties. Medications that would have side-effects that could interfere with a seafarer’s ability to work offshore will usually render them unacceptable. This is specifically relevant if the side-effects are noted to effect an individual’s ability to drive or operate machinery. Consideration has to be given to significant impact of sudden withdrawal of medication and this may also render a seafarer unacceptable. Individuals who are prescribed the following medication will usually be unacceptable: cytotoxics; immunosuppression or all steroids; anti-psychotics; tricyclic anti-depressants; benzodiazepines and other hypnotics; and anti-coagulants. Other medication must be assessed on its individual merits and with particular regard to side-effects.
D. Dyslexia – Seafarers with dyslexia may have a difficulty differentiating left and right which has the potential to affect their ability in tasks requiring differentiation between port and starboard, which could lead to injury or an accident. This situation could extend to all seafarers as in an emergency situation taking a wrong turn or sending people on an incorrect route could lead to disastrous consequences. If this is identified during the assessment then the seafarer should be restricted from the position.