| GENERAL INFORMATION
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| KEYWORDS
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Marine medical certificate, kidney stones, geographical limitations
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| FILE NO.
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MH-0442-21
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| SECTOR (Marine or Aviation)
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Marine
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| SPECIFIC JOB
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Fishing vessel mate
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| DIAGNOSIS (Primary, Secondary, etc.)
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Kidney stones
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| REVIEW
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| DATE OF DETERMINATION
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February 23, 2018
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| MEMBER
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Dr. Christopher Brooks
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| DETERMINATION
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Minister’s decision is confirmed.
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| REASONS FOR THE DETERMINATION
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Issuance of a marine medical certificate (MMC) with limitation – Near Coastal Class II — The applicant was initially issued an unlimited MMC, but in 2015, following medical tests, it was discovered that he had kidney stones. As a result, in accordance with national and international guidelines, Transport Canada (TC) issued the applicant a Near Coastal Class II MMC. He underwent two separate procedures to remove the stones in June 2016, and in July 2016, the urologist pronounced that he was clear of stones. TC was not entirely clear of the status of his renal tract and did not alter his limited MMC. TC’s position is that the applicant has kidney stones, and it appears he is also a stone former. Because of the risk of incapacitation, and for his and the crew’s safety, TC has no alternative but to maintain his limited MMC in accordance with the national and international guidelines. From the evidence, it appears that the applicant has at least two kidney stones and calcification in the kidneys which predisposes him to create more; however, there is no evidence that the stones are treatable. With so much in doubt, TC must err on the side of safety and assume that there is the potential for incapacitation. The TC medical unit is therefore correct in issuing the applicant with a Near Coastal Class II MMC at this time.
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| APPEAL
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| DATE OF DECISION
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| MEMBERS
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| DECISION
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| REASONS FOR THE DECISION
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| OTHER/COMMENTS
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