Medicals & Processing
The Carnival medical is conducted by a number of accredited clinics around the globe, whose facilities and Doctors have been vetted by our Crew Medical Department prior to approval. The medical conducted is thorough and expensive. This is a financial commitment on your* part so you need to be absolutely sure you will pass.
Any pre-existent medical condition/s you have may affect you successfully passing the medical. We strongly recommend that you discuss any concerns you have in this regard with the recruiter at your interview.
In the event you are offered employment with GCO, the position is contingent upon passing this medical. Failing the medical will result in an offer of employment being withdrawn.
* except Philippine nationals.
1. How long is the medical process?
Usually 1 to 2 months depending on how quickly you provide our medical department your fully completed medical results. Pre-employment Medical Examination (PEME) must have either a vaccination certificate/card to prove immunity to Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and Varicella. Medical approval delays can be expected if you fail to provide a complete medical, all required test results, doctor’s signatures or you require further treatment for a pre-exiting medical condition.
2. How long are my medicals valid for?
Two years, in most cases 2 contracts, depending on the length of your contract. Medicals should be valid throughout the course of your contract, and it will be your responsibility to renew your medicals while on vacation. If on your return your medicals are not valid for the whole contract or have expired, you will not be allowed to board the vessel. In the case you are allowed to board you would be signed off at the next available port to renew your medical, at your own expense for flights and hotels.
3. After I complete my medical is the job offer guaranteed?
The Employment letter will only be sent to you on the proviso that you have a valid medical and can obtain a valid C1/D visa.
4. Should I give my employer notice in my current job as soon as I am medically cleared?
No, you should wait until you have been granted a US visa (C1/D) and we have informed you of your ship assignment.
5. After I am medically cleared what is the next step?
- We/our hiring partner will contact and inform you that you have passed the medical.
- You will be asked to make your appointment for a C1/D visa at the American Embassy and let us/our hiring partner know the date.
- When we know the date, we will then give you a ship assignment.
- Once you have a ship assignment, we will send you a letter of employment to take to the Embassy.
- You will then send us/our hiring partner a copy of the visa and passport by e-mail or fax.
- We/our hiring partner will send your travel details, joining documents and hotel information.
- You will inform us/our hiring partner you have received them and are joining on time.
- All the above is conducted by e-mail.
6. How long is the waiting period to get a ship assignment?
Usually a few days but occasionally, it can take up to a couple of weeks.
7. What does it mean if I am medically denied?
This means you have not passed the medical examination as per the Crew Medical Department. Unfortunately this results in us having to retract our offer of employment.
8. How long does the hiring process take?
Usually 2 to 3 months.
9. How long will my application be open for employment?
Six month maximum.
