Anchoring Wellness at Sea: Exploring Filipino Seafarers' Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Pre-Employment Medical Examinations in Maritime Health and Safety

The current study entitled "Anchoring Wellness at Sea: An Assessment of the Experience of Filipino Seafarers and their Perception of Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME) in Maritime Health and Safety" aimed to examine the experience of Filipino seafarers with respect to how they have been able to give meaning to PEME, which is both a maritime health and safety measure as well as an employment requirement for international employment. This research is needed because qualitative data on Filipino seafarers' PEME experiences are limited, particularly regarding health protection, employment pressure, family responsibility, and trust in the duty to complete PEME. The quantitative research used descriptive phenomenology. It involved 22 purposively sampled Filipino seafarers who completed PEME within 24 months and are seeking or already engaged in international maritime jobs. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with participants via Zoom after obtaining consent through Google Forms. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them, and verified the transcripts against the original recordings to ensure accuracy. Participants participated in interviews using English, Filipino, or both. We used Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenology method to analyze the interview transcripts. Six interrelated themes emerged after completion of the research: 1) A Necessary Passage- PEME as an Employment Gateway and a Health Safeguard; 2) Preparing to Pass- Self-discipline, Experience and Pre-Anxiety; 3) The Physical Journey- Organization and Discomfort; 4) Flow of Things- Consequences- Referrals, Cost, Delay and Livelihood of Family; 5) Dignity Shape Disclosure; 6) Making PEME Work for Seafarers- Support and Education. The core structure indicated PEME work as a health-employment threshold. The study indicates that PEME is important for assessing health status and ensuring fitness to work. It also creates stress for seafarers if exam findings lead to repeat tests, referrals, delays, or unclear communication. The results indicate that a seafarer-centered approach should be used for sailors who adhere to clinical standards, while improving workflow, communication, privacy, health education, dignity, and follow-up care.