Tag: maritime health

Denmark introduced new regulation, aiming to simplify the handling of medical supplies for survival craft and the handling of medicine onboard Danish ships abroad. Upon the new regulations become effective on 1 July 2018, the requirement for ships’ medicine to be bought from a Danish pharmacy will be abolished.

UK MCA issued a marine guidance note outlining key points in shipowner liability following the implementation of MLC Convention 2006, in connection with the loss or foundering of the ship; financial security to assure compensation in the event of death or long-term disability of a seafarer due to occupational injury; and liability for burial/ cremation costs.

There is a series of mosquito borne and transferred diseases on board vessels. Examples of such diseases are malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, Zika Virus, viral encephalitis.  If not properly controlled, such vectors could breed on ship and could certainly be carried by ship. Infection with above diseases during voyage represents a serious risk to seafarers’ health and life.

The new code wants to address the many changes in the industry, including the use of robotic systems, over the last 43 years since an earlier code was adopted by the ILO. It emphasizes on a preventive approach based on occupational safety and health (OSH) management systems, management of change and safe work plans.

In a response to ongoing outbreaks of yellow fever in Nigeria and Brazil, China has strengthened its quarantine inspection requirements to prevent the virus being carried to China by seagoing vessels. Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease with the potential to cause severe health implications.

As part of its Good Mental Health Guides series with ISWAN, the Shipowners Club issued two infographics focusing on mindfulness and mental health to enhance wellbeing onboard. The first reminds crews of mindful techniques for managing stress and the second highlights key components of positive mental health.

The Gard P&I Club issued an alert drawing attention on Asian Gypsy Moth, the destructive forest pest spread via ocean-going vessels in international trade, highlighting that Australia has heightened vessel surveillance for AGM and in New Zealand is introducing new AGM requirements from 1 February 2018.

The UK P&I Club recently focused on Seasonal Affective Disorder that could have a severe impact on seafarers' health, as well as on maintaining safety onboard.  Together with the daily stresses of the job, it can be easy for crew to feel overwhelmed, both mentally and physically.

As a basic guide, most people need about 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid each day, which is about 8 to 10 glasses. Except from water, hydration can be achieved also from other drinks, such as milk and fruit juice, and fruit and vegetables, such as cucumber, lettuce and tomatoes.

UK MCA released an updated version of the 'Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers' in late December 2017. The amendments advise on  improving health and safety of seafarers primarily on board UK registered ships.