Maritime Health

Galley hygiene and well organized catering facilities are vital for the welfare of all crew members onboard and therefore, it is important all standards of housekeeping and hygiene, particularly in food storage and preparation, to be followed with consistency.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, two online maps have been already launched, presenting the development of the virus, while Wilhelmsen launched its own online tool providing the global port restrictions, easing the shipping industry.

The US Coast Guard explains which are the symptoms of hypothermia, highlighting that body heat can be lost 25x faster in cold water than in air.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ever maintaining a good housekeeping onboard can help prevent the virus spread. In view of this, the American P&I Club reminds key tips which are important to follow in general for a safe workplace onboard a vessel.

MPA Singapore issued a circular informing of the medical examination of seafarers and seafarer’s medical certificate, in line with the IMO and ILO guidelines which have been adopted as national requirements for medical examination of seafarers.

Following the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maritime NZ issued a guidance on how seafarers can stay protected onboard international vessels amid the outbreak.

Pre-employment medical examination is a procedure every seafarer has to deal with to prove their mind and body fitness if they want to go onboard. As the COVID-19 crisis is gradually fading, thousands of seafarers are expected to sign in and will have to successfully pass their medical exam.

WHO defines mental health “as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

People onboard are prone to several diseases and health hazards due to the nature of their work, change in climatic conditions, type of cargo carried, working hours and materials being handled. Among many, pneumonia can be an infectious disease for seafarers during their service.

The Novel Coronavirus outbreak has made headlines from late December when the first victim of the virus was reported in Wuhan, a city in China. Spreading rapidly, the virus is the top priority for the shipping industry with many key players following the tips issued by the World Health Organization on protection and safety.