As a global leader in maritime healthcare, a great deal of VIKAND’s work and expertise revolves around risk mitigation. Keeping crew members safe and healthy is one of the most effective ways to reduce operational risk, preserve talent and save money.

Two services in particular help us to reduce risk for the cruise sector: Pre-Employment Medical Examinations (PEMEs) and Medical Case Management. VIKAND provides cruise operators with peace of mind by handling these processes worldwide.

What are PEMEs and how do they work?

The PEME process plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and safety of crew members while optimising maritime operations. When deployed effectively, PEMEs not only help mitigate the risks of medical emergencies but also reduce the number of unnecessary medical disembarkations, which carry heavy costs to operators.

A good PEME screening process is thorough, transparent, and tailored to meet maritime and flag state requirements while addressing a cruise operator’s specific needs. VIKAND offers its own digital PEME platform where crew members can upload documents for our team to review.

The process involves the following steps:

1. Verification & Compliance: Once submitted, PEMEs are reviewed to ensure compliance with maritime laws, flag state requirements and operator-specific joining criteria.
2. Status Updates: Crew members receive real-time updates at every stage, from document submission to final approval.
3. Medical Oversight: Crew members with declared medical conditions or abnormal test results undergo further assessment to ensure that candidates with manageable health conditions are not automatically dismissed. Instead, they are evaluated holistically, considering factors such as onboard capabilities, itineraries, crewing contracts, and other employment and duty criteria.
4. Risk Mitigation: When medical conditions are manageable within maritime law, approval is granted with guidelines to ensure onboard safety. In rare cases where a crew member is deemed unfit for duty, VIKAND provides detailed steps for achieving approval in the future.

Challenges to the PEME Process

The primary challenge lies in incomplete PEMEs, where verification for compliance as well as additional tests or clearances are required. Delays in submitting these documents can hinder timely approvals, impacting crew availability. However, early declaration of medical conditions significantly aids the evaluation and employment planning process for cruise operators.

VIKAND’s digital PEME platform helps cruise operators track the status of each candidate, so errors or omissions can be quickly identified and addressed.

The Importance of Case Management

Another key dimension of mitigating the risk to a cruise ship’s labour force is effective case management. This service activates when a crew member requires medical disembarkation, either due to an onboard illness, injury or a newly diagnosed condition. 

The process is initiated from the onboard medical team with confirmation from the relevant medical director, at which point a dedicated case manager can provide:

• Shoreside Care Coordination:  Facilitate shoreside treatment with regular communication between the case manager, medical facility and crew member.
• Repatriation Logistics: Coordinate flights and care plans and guide the crew member through further medical appointments and diagnostics at home.
• Claims & Documentation: Assist with sick wage reimbursements, P&I claims and medical records to streamline the process.
• Return-to-Work Readiness: Upon achieving maximum medical improvement (MMI), the crew member undergoes a fit-for-duty assessment and PEME renewal, if necessary.

The Link Between PEMEs & Medical Disembarkations

While accidents and illnesses are unpredictable, a well-executed PEME review process to identify and address pre-existing conditions can reduce the likelihood of medical disembarkations. In doing so, operators help ensure that crew members are fit to manage health conditions while they work aboard a cruise ship.

VIKAND’s commitment to predictive? healthcare includes proactive follow-ups that allow medical centers to ensure compliance, monitor wellness, treat and be fully prepared for emergencies with full knowledge of each crew member’s medical history. We also support informed decision-making with full understanding of onboard resources and itineraries, ensuring that medical approvals are grounded in operational realities and minimise risk.

Enhance the Process with a Partner

For cruise operators, collaborating with VIKAND offers many risk-reducing benefits:

1. Streamlined Systems: Our digital screening platform improves efficiency and reduces errors in the PEME process.
2. Expert Oversight: Our Medical Directors provide tailored recommendations, ensuring that risks are managed without compromising safety or efficiency.
3. Data-Driven Insights: Operators gain actionable insights into common medical issues, helping to improve policies and mitigate future risks.

Conclusion: Healthy Crew, Happy Ship

By integrating VIKAND's robust PEME and case management services, operators can effectively reduce medical disembarkations and ensure healthier, safer crew environments – especially in the highly demanding cruise sector.

When VIKAND works in tandem with cruise operators, the process becomes not just a compliance exercise but a strategic advantage, benefitting both the crew and the business.