Transport Canada Marine Medical Exams

Same-day, evening & weekend appointments available

Book Online

Who Needs a Marine Medical Exam?

Transport Canada requires a Marine Medical Certificate for anyone working on a Canadian vessel. This includes:

  • Seafarers on international voyages — required under STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers)

  • Seafarers on Canadian domestic voyages — required under Canadian maritime law

  • BC Ferries crew — all marine crew on BC Ferries vessels require a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate

  • Students in marine programs — including Bridge Watch Rating and Marine Engineering at BCIT and other institutions

  • Cruise line crew — including Royal Caribbean Group and other major cruise lines

  • Commercial fishers and ferry operators — working on Canadian-regulated vessels

Your certificate is valid for 2 years for international/STCW voyages and up to 5 years for Canadian domestic voyages.

Why Choose Anchor Burnaby Medical Clinic?

  • Transport Canada designated Marine Medical Examiner — Dr. Neil Kumar is listed on the official Transport Canada Marine Medical Examiner registry.

  • Certificate issued same day — you receive your provisional Marine Medical Certificate immediately after passing your exam, so you can return to work without delay

  • ENG-1 equivalent exams — Canada is on the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency's official list of countries whose marine medical certificates are accepted as equivalent to an ENG-1 on UK-flagged vessels. A Transport Canada marine medical certificate issued by a designated examiner is accepted in place of an ENG-1, valid for 2 years. See the UK GOV.UK seafarers medical certification guidance for the full list of equivalent countries.

  • Same-day, evening & weekend appointments — we work around your vessel schedule

  • Farnsworth D-15 colour vision test — available on-site if required

  • Serving Metro Vancouver — conveniently located in Burnaby near the Port of Vancouver and Port of New Westminster

Check Appointment Availability

Before Your Appointment — Get Your CDN First

Before applying for a Marine Medical Certificate, you must have a Candidate Document Number (CDN) from Transport Canada. This is a unique number that identifies you in the TC database. Without a CDN, Transport Canada cannot process your medical certificate.

You do not need to be a Canadian citizen to get a CDN. International seafarers visiting the Lower Mainland can obtain a CDN in person at a Transport Canada Marine Safety Service Centre — often on the same day. You will need two pieces of government-issued ID (passport, seafarer's identity document, driver's license, or other accepted documents).

For full CDN application instructions, visit the Transport Canada CDN page.

If you already have a CDN from a previous certificate, you can book your exam directly.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your marine medical exam typically takes 30 minutes and includes:

  • Vision assessment — with and without corrective lenses if applicable

  • Colour vision testing

  • Hearing assessment

  • Blood pressure and cardiovascular check

  • Physical fitness assessment — including strength, mobility, and ability to wear safety equipment

  • Review of medical history and current medications

  • Completion of your Transport Canada examination report

After your exam, if you are deemed fit, Dr. Kumar will issue your provisional Marine Medical Certificate on the same day. Transport Canada's Marine Medical Unit will then review the report and issue your full certificate by mail.

What to Bring

  • Your Candidate Document Number (CDN)

  • Government-issued photo ID

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses if you wear them — if you wear contact lenses, please also bring your lens case, as we will need to measure your vision both with and without correction

  • Hearing aids if you use them

  • A complete list of current medications

  • Any relevant specialist reports or diagnostic imaging

Pricing

$239 + GST for marine medical exam.
No referral needed. Private pay only.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes — Transport Canada requires a CDN before they can process your marine medical certificate. If you don't have one, apply at your nearest TC Marine Safety Service Centre first. Full instructions are available on the TC CDN page. If you already have a CDN from a previous certificate, you can book directly.

  • Yes. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to obtain a CDN or a Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate. International seafarers visiting the Lower Mainland can obtain a CDN in person at a Transport Canada Marine Safety Service Centre — often the same day — with two pieces of government-issued ID.

  • Yes. A Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate is valid for international voyages under STCW for 2 years, and for Canadian domestic voyages for up to 5 years.

  • Yes. Canada and the UK have a formal reciprocal recognition arrangement under the STCW Convention. A Transport Canada marine medical certificate issued by a designated examiner is accepted by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency as equivalent to an ENG-1 Seafarer Medical Fitness Certificate, valid for 2 years.

  • Yes. All marine crew on BC Ferries vessels are required to hold a valid Transport Canada Marine Medical Certificate. We regularly see BC Ferries crew and can accommodate your schedule with same-day, evening, and weekend appointments.

  • Yes. If you are enrolling in a Bridge Watch Rating, Marine Engineering, or other Transport Canada regulated marine program, we can provide the required medical certificate as part of your application.

  • If you are deemed "Unfit", Dr. Kumar will explain the decision in writing. In all cases you can request a reconsideration from Transport Canada within 30 days.

  • Transport Canada recommends renewing 4 to 6 months before your current certificate expires.

  • Yes. We perform medical exams for cruise line crew including Royal Caribbean Group. Contact us to confirm your specific cruise line's requirements before booking.

  • Yes. You can verify Dr. Kumar's designation status at any time using the Marine Medical Examiner Search tool on the Transport Canada website at tc.canada.ca.

  • Most appointments take 30 minutes.

  • No. Marine medical exams are private pay only and are not covered by MSP. The cost is $239 + GST.

Book Your Marine Medical Today