Trapped Onboard: Seafarers Denied Basic Medical Care

Trapped Onboard: Seafarers Denied Basic Medical Care

seafarer
Image Credit: IMO
  • Reports of seafarers being denied medical evacuation or access to ports despite serious medical conditions.

  • New guidance issued by ICS for shipowners and operators to deal with unwell seafarers.

  • UN bodies to deliver guidance to member states health ministry’s today to ensure medical assistance is provided to seafarers.

  • Guy Platten, Secretary General ICS said, “we’re receiving alarming reports of seafarers who are suffering from serious medical injury such as a stroke, be denied medical evacuation for over 4 days. This is simply not acceptable.”

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has issued updated health guidance for the global shipping industry to ensure ship operators and crew can safely deal with seafarers struggling with medical conditions during the coronavirus pandemic. 



Alarming reports indicate that in some cases seafarers are being denied medical attention by port authorities. Many cases of seafarers suffering non-COVID related medical conditions being refused entry to port or denied medical evacuation for over 4 days are being reported. Reminding governments of their obligations to provide medical care for seafarers ICS will address a virtual meeting of healthcare professionals, organized by the World Health Organization, International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization, where the latest guidance for seafarers will be discussed. 

Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping said:

“This guidance should give confidence to national governments that crew changes can and must be carried out. Especially when there are critically ill crew members on board.



“We’re receiving alarming reports of seafarers who are suffering from serious medical injury such as a stroke, be denied medical evacuation for over 4 days. This is simply not acceptable.”

The 48-page document builds on the previous guidance issued in March, providing comprehensive recommendations on:

  • Safe port entry

  • Shipboard measures to address risks associated with COVID-19

  • Managing an outbreak of COVID-19 on board ships

  • Managing other medical issues during COVID-19, including medical assistance to seafarers in ports

Since the outbreak of the virus, Covid-19 related restrictions and the drastic reduction of air traffic have prevented over 200,000 seafarers from routine changeovers. Spending an extended period onboard, these seafarers are at risk from adverse health effects, including fatigue and mental health issues.

Download the guidance, including forms for seafarers and port authorities plus posters here.



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