It’s normal to feel a mix of things
Many people describe relief: finally having an explanation for things they’ve always found hard. Others feel grief for the support they didn’t have earlier, anger at being misunderstood, worry about the future, or a bit of everything. These feelings can come and go for months. All of them are normal.
A diagnosis doesn’t change who you are or what you’re capable of. It gives you a new way to understand yourself, and new tools to work with.
Give yourself time. You don’t have to tell anyone, make any decisions, or change anything straight away.
Your career at sea
A diagnosis does not, by itself, end a career at sea. Neurodivergent seafarers hold certificates of competency and medical certificates and work at every rank, from cadet to Master and Chief Engineer.
Your medical certificate
You must answer seafarer medical questionnaires honestly, including about diagnoses and medication. Approved doctors assess whether you can do your duties safely; they don’t refuse certificates simply because of a diagnosis.
Before your next medical, read our guide to medical fitness at sea, and ask your specialist for a short letter explaining your diagnosis and how it affects you at work.
Your certificates of competency
A diagnosis doesn’t affect certificates you already hold. If you’re studying or have exams coming up, you may be able to ask for adjustments such as extra time, a reader, or a separate room. Ask your college or training provider early.
If you take medication
For ADHD in particular, starting medication raises practical questions: how it fits with watch patterns, how to get enough supply for a contract, and whether you can carry it into the countries you’ll visit. Plan these with your prescriber before you sail, and check our ADHD medication map.
Telling people
Your employer
You usually don’t have to tell your employer about a diagnosis. But doing so can make it easier to get adjustments, and means your employer’s legal duty to make reasonable adjustments clearly applies.
Reasons people choose to tell
- To get adjustments in place
- To explain past difficulties
- To stop having to mask or hide
- To help others understand
Reasons people choose not to, yet
- Worry about how they will be treated
- Not needing any support right now
- Wanting time to process it first
- A workplace culture that doesn’t feel safe
Our disclosure guide helps you weigh up whether, when and how.
Crewmates, friends and family
There’s no right way to do this. Some people tell everyone; others tell only a few people they trust. It can help to point people to our crew and colleagues pages.
Next steps
Learn about your diagnosis
Read our condition guides, and resources from international organisations such as Autism-Europe, the World Federation of ADHD or Dyslexia International, and the national organisations in your country.
Think about what would help
Notice what drains you and what helps at work, then use our adjustment builder to turn it into a clear request.
Connect with others
Many people find it helps to talk to other neurodivergent people, including other seafarers.
Look after yourself
If you are struggling, talk to someone. Our support page lists organisations that can help, at sea and ashore.