Seafarer Health: GWC’s Maritime Mumbai Visit 2026
By Dr. Ritez Kumar, MD Internal Medicine | 11 November 2026
Global Wellness Centre visited Mumbai from 2 to 4 November 2026 for Maritime India
Conference & Expo 2026. We interacted with shipping companies and listened to perspectives on how GWC can contribute to a healthier Indian shipping industry.
For us, the visit was an opportunity to connect the realities of crew deployment with the health needs of the people who make shipping possible. Our photographs capture the visit; the conversations helped sharpen our priorities for the work ahead.
Seafarer health deserves attention throughout a career
A medical examination is an important assessment of a seafarer’s ability to undertake duties at sea. The joint ILO/IMO guidance supports assessment in relation to both routine and emergency duties, taking account of individual health capabilities.
Alongside that assessment, seafarers benefit from an organised approach to their health between voyages. GWC’s proposed priorities are practical: better preparation for appointments, timely review of existing conditions and clearer communication when further assessment is needed. These are care and coordination priorities, rather than additional legal fitness requirements.
Better preparation before the medical appointment
For seafarers, useful preparation includes keeping previous medical reports, current prescriptions and relevant specialist advice together. RPSL coordinators can help by sharing applicable company and flag requirements with the clinic before the appointment.
Seafarers should disclose their medical history and medicines accurately. They should ask the clinic for any specific preparation instructions rather than stopping treatment or fasting on their own. Clear preparation helps the clinical team understand the person being assessed and identify missing information early.
Fitness decisions remain individual. They depend on the examination findings, the duties involved and applicable national and flag-state requirements. No campaign, booking or commercial arrangement can guarantee a fitness certificate.
Continuity of care between voyages
A useful health plan looks ahead to the next voyage. Seafarers with an existing condition can discuss follow-up, monitoring and medicines with their treating clinician before joining. Any specialist advice or test results relevant to the assessment should be available for review.
Our aim is to help seafarers understand the next step: what needs review, which records are needed and whom to contact. Where further assessment is required, the timeline should be communicated clearly, without promising a predetermined outcome.
Crew wellbeing is a shared responsibility
Fatigue deserves attention at both individual and organisational levels. IMO’s fatigue guidance addresses companies, seafarers, training, ship design and administrations.[2] Its approach reinforces that crew wellbeing cannot be reduced to advice for an individual alone.
Our broader message is therefore one of coordination. Seafarers, RPSLs, employers and clinicians each have a role in supporting health. GWC would like to contribute through clear medical communication, preventive health education and timely clinical review. These are areas for further discussion with shipping companies; this visit announcement does not represent the signing of new partnerships or the launch of an onboard service.
From industry conversations to practical next steps
Following the Mumbai visit, we welcome discussions with shipping companies and RPSL teams about their medical coordination needs. A useful starting point is to identify where the current process causes difficulty: incomplete records, unclear preparation, pending specialist opinions or gaps in follow-up.
By understanding those needs, GWC can work towards practical improvements within its clinical role. Our commitment remains simple: thoughtful assessment, clear communication and respe
Frequently asked questions
Did GWC attend the Mumbai event in November 2026?
Yes. GWC visited from 2 to 4 November 2026 and interacted with shipping companies. The event name shown in our photographs is Maritime India Conference & Expo 2026.
Does this announcement mean GWC has signed new partnerships?
No. It shares our visit and priorities for future collaboration. Specific agreements will be announced only when confirmed.
Can GWC guarantee medical fitness?
No. Fitness is determined individually under the applicable standards, based on the medical assessment and relevant duties.
How can an RPSL or shipping company contact GWC?
WhatsApp +91 92059 00564, call +91 93156 77470, or email frontdesk@globalwellnesscentre.org to discuss requirements.
Contact Global Wellness Centre
We Keep You Healthy
A-5, Basement, Dabri Extension, Dabri Palam Road, Opp. Dada Dev Hospital, New Delhi – 110045
WhatsApp: +91 92059 00564 | Phone: +91 93156 77470
Email: frontdesk@globalwellnesscentre.org
Website: https://www.globalwellnesscentre.org/
DG Shipping e-Samudra Approval: MP-0000142-2026
References
- International Labour Organization / International Maritime Organization. Guidelines on the medical examinations of seafarers. https://www.ilo.org/resource/other/guidelines-medical-examinations-seafarers
- International Maritime Organization. Fatigue, including Guidelines on fatigue, MSC.1/Circ.1598. https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/humanelement/pages/fatigue.aspx
Educational content. Applicable national and flag-state standards govern medical certification; the care priorities discussed here do not introduce new statutory requirements.