Standards
NeurodiversAtSea standards set out what good looks like for neurodivergent people in the maritime industry. Each one is developed with seafarers, employers and specialists, and open to consultation before it is published.
Standards library
NDAS 001
Neuroinclusive recruitment and assessment
Good practice for job adverts, psychometric testing, interviews and selection so that neurodivergent candidates are assessed on ability.
NDAS 002
Reasonable adjustments on board
A practical framework for agreeing, recording and reviewing reasonable adjustments for seafarers, from joining to sign-off.
NDAS 003
Neurodiversity awareness training
Minimum content and outcomes for neurodiversity awareness training delivered to maritime staff ashore and at sea.
How our standards fit with regulation
Our standards sit alongside, and never replace, the legal and regulatory frameworks below.
| Framework | From | What it covers | Why it matters for neurodivergent seafarers |
|---|---|---|---|
| STCW Convention | IMO | Training, certification and watchkeeping standards for seafarers. | Sets how competence is assessed, and whether adjustments are possible in training and exams. |
| Maritime Labour Convention 2006 | ILO | Minimum working and living conditions at sea. | Rights to fair treatment, medical care and welfare on board. |
| ILO/IMO Guidelines on Medical Examinations | ILO / IMO | International guidance for seafarer medical fitness. | Shapes how conditions and medication are judged in fitness examinations. |
| UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations | The right of disabled people to work on an equal basis, with reasonable accommodation. | The basis of reasonable adjustment duties in many national laws. |
| National medical certificates and equality laws | Flag states and national governments | How each country applies the international rules, for example the ENG1 and Equality Act 2010 in the UK. | How approved doctors assess neurodivergent seafarers, and the employer's duty to make adjustments. |
Help shape our standards.
We are looking for seafarers, employers, trainers and clinicians to take part in consultation.