ICS Publishes New Medical Guide for Ships
Given the remote nature of shipping, seafarers know that their life may sometimes depend on at-hand practical information readily available during the first crucial moments after an on board medical emergency arises. Medical guidance covering illness, injuries and other health issues needs to be readily available as a vital aid to saving lives, in fact, international regulations call for a medical guide to be carried on commercial ships that do not have a doctor on board, which…
ICS Issues Coronavirus Guidance
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued new guidance for the global shipping industry to help combat the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The comprehensive 22-page document has been produced in collaboration with prominent international bodies including:• The World Health Organization (WHO)• The International Maritime Organization (IMO)• The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)• The International Maritime Health Association…
Mental Health at Sea: A Storm is Brewing
According to the latest statistics, over 25 percent of people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives and for those working offshore, this figure is significantly and potentially dangerously higher. What’s more, the problem’s growing. So, what’s causing the rise of mental health problems within our industry and why are seafarers more likely to suffer from these issues than those working on land? Most importantly, what can be done to solve the problem and establish a happier, healthier and safer workforce on the 51,000+ merchant ships that sail our seas?
Martek Calls for Safer Shipping
Martek Marine, the global maritime technology innovator, is leading calls to make the shipping industry safer for seafarers to mark European Shipping Week, taking place in Brussels this week. To encourage shipping companies to invest in improved healthcare for crew members, the company has pledged to donate $100 to charity for every life saved through the use of its revolutionary telemedicine offering iVital. The world’s first telemedicine service available without a large upfront capital investment, iVital works by providing crews with a live connection to an onshore doctor, who can provide potentially lifesaving medical advice. The…
KVH's Zika Virus Safety Video for Mariners
KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that it is offering Videotel’s new safety and training video about the Zika virus free to all mariners worldwide. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of the vitally important prevention measures that can keep seafarers and their colleagues and families safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus a public health emergency earlier this year. Given the global nature of the maritime industry, it is imperative that seafarers take precautions to prevent further spread of the disease. The prevalence of the Zika virus in such areas as Brazil has heightened concerns with the approaching Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month.
New Multilingual Medical Assessment Booklet
The International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) published multilingual questions for the medical assessment and treatment of seafarers. This updated publication assists medical professionals, first officers, port health authorities and welfare workers, among others, with assessing and treating seafarers in emergency and non-emergency situations. The booklet covers a range of medical areas including cardiac events, injuries to different parts of the body and pain relating to specific conditions.
