Prescription medicine before joining

Contract-length supply, doctor's letter, customs notes — so your medication doesn't end your contract.

If you take any regular prescription medication, the safe baseline is: bring enough for the full contract plus 30 days, carry it in original labelled packaging, carry a doctor's letter listing the medication and condition, and check the destination country's import rules for the active ingredient. Several countries (UAE, Singapore, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia) treat common medications as controlled substances. A bottle of stimulant ADHD medication or strong opioid painkillers can mean arrest at the airport.

Practical steps

• Confirm the contract length and aim for contract + 30 days of supply.
• Original packaging, original labels, original prescription, original doctor's letter.
• Check the destination country's controlled-substances list (UAE and Singapore in particular).
• Carry medication in hand luggage, not checked.
• Tell the Master at sign-on; the medical officer can keep a logged stock.

When to escalate

• If running low onboard — alert the Master and request the agent to arrange a port pharmacy.
• If a new prescription is needed onboard — TMAS consultation and shore-side prescription via the agent.

Last verified 5 months ago