YM Commercial Endorsement Restrictions - confusion!

[BlueSkyNick]

I had an MCA medical to get commercial endorsement and the quack must have been in a bad mood. He didnt like some of my medical history which I have been told by specialists is no longer a problem.

Medical certificate came back with "Near Coasts Only". I submitted this at the same time as my YM exam report to the RYA. The RYA have issued my YM certificate as Category One (Up to 150 miles from a safe haven) with restrictions according to my medical.

For commercial work, this effectively means I can be 150 miles from a safe haven as long as I am near the coast ('near' being undefined).

In the short term, I have appealed the outcome of the medical and am seeing another doctor, specified by the MCA, to arbitrate.

Anybody else had similar issues?

 

[JohnTH]

Sounds to me like your quack is watching his back ! !

73s de
Johnth

 

[BlueSkyNick]

He was an MCA quack who does medicals full time as a job for professional seamen, ie crew on globe trotting big ships etc.

But I think you are right. The system is flawed because I could have sat in his office and said there was nothing wrong with me, and none of this would have arisen. But I am sure that NOBODY would ever do that.... would they!

 

[Sailfree]

But I think you are right. The system is flawed because I could have sat in his office and said there was nothing wrong with me, and none of this would have arisen. But I am sure that NOBODY would ever do that.... would they!

Nick I would have thought you would have learn't by now!!!

 

[Deleted member 36384]

..... The system is flawed because I could have sat in his office and said there was nothing wrong with me, and none of this would have arisen. But I am sure that NOBODY would ever do that.... would they!.....

I have asthma fully controlled and declared; they did not restrict me. I was questioned very heavily but because I understood my condition and could answer his questions with clarity, he obviously decided that there was not a problem.

I don't cover it up because if there is an issue and matters are investigated for whatever reason, there could be all sorts of hassle - including being struck off as a Yachtmaster.

While I think there are probably guidelines to Doctors doing MCA examinations, I think the reality is that its up to the individual on the day what he or she thinks.

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

I have occasional (pretty rare) blackouts - usually associated with low blood pressure, and running a temperature. They have never occurred outside the house. Last time it happened and I came to in hospital I asked the consultant if I was safe to drive. His response was "dont ask me that question".

I am safe to drive, never had a moments worry or real cause to doubt. But I took the point that the only official response he could make was to cover his back and play safe.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

I've got this sussed now. Hopefully I can help explain to others who are interested.

Basically, the RYA act on behalf of the MCA to provide a training and examination scheme. When it comes to commercial endorsements, the restrictions (if any) are applied by the MCA themselves.

Near Coast Only is MCA jargon for anywhere up to 150miles of UK shores. Their other standard option is Worldwide. These restrictions are independant of the categorisation applied by the RYA HERE

If you appeal the restriction, you get to see a specific doctor who has the authority to apply more consideration depending on medical history and working intentions. His (Her in Portsmouth) decision is final. It is generally based on the MCA's assessment of the risk and their ability to cope with an incident at sea, if anything happened to go wrong.

I pointed out that "Near Coast Only" is a vague to those of us not familiar with the jargon, so it is now explained more clearly on my certificate.

She has extended my working area so I am happy !!

 

[Wiggo]

I had a similar problem a couple of years ago and an MCA Medical Officer rang me from Plymouth (ISTR) to tell me that my application had been denied. His lack of knowledge of my (supposed) condition condition was astonishing, and his attitude so bad I officially complained to the MCA about him. A couple of weeks later I got a sheepish call from him to say that he would be discussing my case at the next committee meeting and would let me know the outcome. Which was a temporary requiremnent to carry 'competent crew', which turns out to be anyone I designate as competent. Anyway, the original diagnosis turned out to be a mistake and teh restriction is expired now...