Tag: maritime health

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. 

Legionella can plague marine vessels but an effective Water Safety Plan can help to mitigate the risk, says John Chillingworth, Senior Marine Principal at Lucion Marine. Ship owners should verify that they correct water management controls and records are in place by having an independent audit.

On the occasion of World's AIDS Day, on 1 December, UK P&I Club reminds that with the right treatment, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life. The Club also notes that pre-employment medical examination includes consented HIV screening and counselling, if permitted by local law.

ISWAN has launched a new self-help guide to provide seafarers with guidance on how best to enhance their wellbeing despite many of the challenges of life at sea. This guide brings together evidence from the field of Positive Psychology to help seafarers recognize critical elements of their psychological wellbeing, and provides straightforward, practical tips that could help while they’re away at sea. 

Clinical psychologist and author of Wallem’s Wellness@Sea guide, Kevin Menon, who has been working with Wallem Ship Management for over two years, stresses that wellness is particularly important when it comes to life at sea due to the unique conditions seafarers face.

Ship owners must prioritise crew wellness to prevent disasters like El Faro was the main message from Sailors’ Society CEO Stuart Rivers, announcing the charity’s second Wellness at Sea Conference, in London, on 16 March 2018.

The Trafigura Foundation awarded ISWAN a grant to improve its helpline and support dedicated emergency funds for seafarers experiencing difficult situations at sea. With the grant, this system will be improved in order to provide a better service and improved data monitoring of seafarers in need. 

The 1st of November marks the start of Diabetes Awareness Month, in acknowledgement of the disease which remains within the top 5 causes of crew failing the Pre-Employment Medical Examination, UK Club informed.

David Nichol, Thomas Miller Hellas, talks about important issues related to crew mental health, highlighting that a broad range of factors, including anxiety, social isolation, pressure of work and disturbed sleep, can negatively influence the mental health of seafarers. Crew fitness evaluations have previously given emphasis to physical health and it is only relatively recently that due attention is being given to the mental wellbeing of seafarers. Therefore, the UK P&I Club places a high priority on the matter by raising awareness to the problem and in providing support and advice to its members.