USCG Medical Exam Common Errors
Improperly Filled out USCG Medical Forms Will Ground You
Incorrect or improperly filled out medical forms are the number one mistake that stops most mariners in getting their documentation needed to proceed to the next level. Review the form before you see your doctor so that you’re familiar with the layout. Don’t leave until everything is filled out or you’ll be back after you get rejected by the NMC. They are taking extra scrutiny with the medical forms because of the maritime accidents that have recently occurred.
There are errors that can delay your application for credentials or cause the application to be denied.
Common Mistakes Mariners Make on their Application
- Did your Doctor sign the form and put his/her license number?
- Missing uncorrected vision (Section III)
- Uncorrected vision tested with corrective lenses (Section III)
- Missing pulse rate/rhythm (Section II)
- No response to medication section (Section VI)
- Missing field of vision (Section III)
- Hearing not marked as normal or impaired.
- Incomplete Applications Will Cause delays
Top Ten Reasons Why Your Application could be delayed
For complete list of Top Ten Reasons – click here
Physical Exam – If the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination/Certification Report is not complete, it will be returned for correction. Particular attention is paid to the “competent”, “not competent”, and “needs further review” boxes, which are frequently blank. Often the type of color vision exam given in Section IV in not indicated or mariners who wear glasses and/or contacts submit exams without their uncorrected vision listed in Section III.
Medical Condition – Additional medical information is required whenever a medical condition is identified on the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination Report.
Drug Screen – A drug screen is often rejected because it does not contain the Medical Review Officer’s (MRO) signature, it is a photocopy, or a company compliance letter is not written to meet the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 16, Section 220.
The following article was taken from the NMC site. For more info visit their site.
