Working on board can present seafarers with factors that may make it difficult to remain adequately hydrated, like physically demanding job roles, working in very hot environments, and distrust of water on board because of taste or appearance.
Dehydration can have a negative impact on a seafarer’s health and can cause or worsen certain diseases. It can also impact a seafarer’s ability to be productive at work.
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For this reason, ISWAN’s published a hydration toolkit for seafarers, posters with information about the importance of remaining hydrated and a urine colour chart to help seafarers judge whether they need to drink more water.
According to the Hydration Toolkit, the following are signs and symptoms of dehydration:
- Increased thirst;
- Decreased urination;
- Darker colour may indicate dehydration;
- Dry mouth;
- Headaches;
- Dry skin;
- Dizziness;
- Weakness;
- Palpitations;
- Heartbeat feels like it is jumping and irregular;
- Lack of sweating;
- Sluggishness.
In addition, there are certain conditions which may cause rapid fluid loss and lead to dehydration. According to ISWAN, these are:
- High temperature due to fever;
- No access to safe drinking water;
- Injuries to the skin such as burns, skin disease or infections;
- Too much exercise;
- Vomiting, diarrhoea and infections;
- Diabetes.
Of course, there are many things seafarers can do in order to prevent dehydration, such as:
- On a lazy day, try to drink around two litres of water;
- Drink a glass of water when you wake up;
- If you usually drink fizzy drinks, start by replacing just one glass a day with water
- Ask for water at meal times;
- Add lemon, lime or orange to hot water instead of drinking coffee;
- Carry water with you around the ship;
- If you are exercising or working in a hot environment, stop and have a drink of water every 10 to 15 minutes;
- Keep a check on the colour of your urine, it should be light in colour and odourless.
Explore more in the following PDF
