Transport Malta issued a new notice to highlight the potential risks associated with being on board ships, following a recent investigation report. The notice emphasizes the importance of all ships carrying the necessary medical guides to provide advice in case of emergency.
In particular, a recent investigation report shed light to the potential risks associated with heat exhaustion on board ships. In view of the conclusions reached, Transport Malta recommends that the relevant medical guide(s) which are referred to in the STCW Code and the IMO model courses on first aid and medical care are carried on board Maltese-registered vessels.
These are the latest edition of the International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS) and its supporting publications (or the newly published International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers).
Mindful of the various hazards present on vessels, it can be very difficult to predict the nature of every potential emergency that may arise onboard, however standard emergency procedures should be developed and familiarized with for immediate implementation. Medical first aid assistance and availability, taking into account of the hazards involved are of primary importance when developing such emergency procedures.
Apart from the IMGS, reference is also being made to the Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods (MFAG).
The MFAG being applicable to all vessels carrying cargoes which have a United Nations (UN) number and should be used in conjunction with the requirements of the applicable codes such as IMSBC, IBC and IGC Code.
All concerned are strongly recommended to bring this Notice and the safety alert report to the attention of all crew serving onboard Maltese registered vessels and follow the recommendations contained therein, the Notice concludes.
