Transport Malta draws the attention to the requirements for keeping medical stores onboard properly according to Maritime Labour Convention, highlighting that English language is recommended for use in order to avoid confusion.
In particular, Transport Malta informs all those concerned about the interpretation of rule 101 (1) (a) of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules.
The rule provides that:
- Without prejudice to any other law, any container of medical stores required by rule 98 to be kept on board a ship shall have in English on a label the particulars specified in sub-rule (3).
- The Directorate would consider on a case by case basis and upon request, equivalent arrangements on the use of other languages other than the English language provided that such language is understood by both the medical professional administering the medicine and the patient receiving it.
- On ships having persons of multiple nationalities, it is always recommended that the use of the English language is retained to avoid confusion.
You can read the full Merchant Shipping Rules below
