A GUIDE providing the latest medical knowledge on all injuries, illnesses and health issues experienced on ships has been published by the International Chamber of Shipping.

The first edition of the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers is designed to be used on board all ships as well as in onshore safety departments, medical assistance centres and training institutions.

“When a seafarer or fisher becomes sick or is injured at sea, it is up to one of their fellow crew members to provide medical relief until professional medical services can be reached,” it said.

A team of maritime medical experts created content that provides the latest medical knowledge on injuries, illnesses, and health issues experienced at sea. The technical review group were tasked with producing a guide that would improve seafarers’ working conditions while on board vessels.

The ICS emphasised the importance of presenting the information in terminology that can be understood internationally because seafarers come from many nationalities. It includes medicines that can be sourced in all regions of the world.

It said the guide seeks to accelerate the provision of medical care where it happens and solves a problem for ships sailing under flags who do not have a national guide. It includes new dedicated chapters on assessing and treating mental health issues, seasickness and how to communicate with telemedical services.

Dr Robert Verbist, president of the International Maritime Health Association, said seafarers are “among the most isolated people on earth when it comes to medical care.”

“This guide was reviewed by an international group of maritime medical specialists to ensure the language and terminology are international,” he said. “Anything being done to improve the healthcare of seafarers must be done in a multinational context.”

The guide — created in collaboration with the IMHA and the International Transport Workers’ Federation — features the latest medical knowledge with clear and practical explanations of procedures, a ship’s medicine chest detailing the medicines and equipment that should be carried on board, and 10 action cards that can be removed and carried anywhere on the ship to immediately assess an emergency medical situation.

It also features an easy-to-use format for a non-medical professional to navigate and apply in a medical situation, by way of 3D visual aids, tables, charts and assessments to help crew follow procedures correctly.

ICS director of employment affairs Natalie Shaw said the “overwhelming and positive response” to the medical materials published during the pandemic highlighted an urgent need for updated medical information.

“Having established relationships with medical experts for many years, we undertook the extensive process of producing a completely new, comprehensive, and practical guide covering all medical situations that would provide modern medical support for crew and for shipping companies.”