Abstract
These Guidelines are intended to provide States with an internationally recognized set of criteria for use either directly or as the basis for framing national medical examination standards that will be compatible with international requirements. Valid and consistent guidelines should assist medical practitioners, fishing vessel owners, fishers’ representatives, fishers and other relevant persons with the conduct of medical fitness examinations of serving fishers and fisher candidates. Their purpose is to help establish criteria that will lead to equitable decisions about who can safely and effectively perform their routine and emergency duties at sea, provided these are compatible with their individual health-related capabilities.