Innovative model for cruise ship crew medical examinations debuts in Xiamen

Two cruise ship crew members received four certificates after a single medical examination at the Xiamen FTZ on Feb 23. [Photo by Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn]

After undergoing a medical examination, two cruise ship crew members in Xiamen on Feb 23 received four certificates: the Seafarer's Health Certificate, the Certificate of Health Examination for International Travellers, the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, and the International Cruise Company Employment Medical Examination Certificate. 

This marks the first implementation of the "one examination, four certificates" model for cruise ship crew members in Xiamen, which eliminates the need for repeated medical examinations and long waiting times.

It also reduces medical examination costs for cruise ship crew members by at least one-third and shortens the overall certification process from a minimum of seven workdays to just two workdays.

A cruise ship in Xiamen. [Photo by Lin Yuyang to chinadaily.com.cn]

In response to increasing market demand and to increase convenience for Chinese crew members, the Xiamen Maritime Bureau, Xiamen Customs, and the administration committee of the Xiamen Free Trade Zone have collaborated to innovate and leverage the advantages of the Xiamen FTZ to introduce a new model. 

The new model is not only an important measure for facilitating the certification and employment of cruise ship crew, but also a significant step for Xiamen in promoting the development of cruise tourism and deepening reform and innovation in the Xiamen FTZ.

It will help attract cruise talent from China and abroad and support Xiamen's development into a cruise homeport.