Thursday, 30th July 2009
Prescribed medication - a must for safety at sea, says North P&I clubThe ‘A' rated, 100 million GT North of England P&I club has reminded its shipowner members to ensure their seafarers comply fully with any prescribed course of medication while at sea. The advice is given in the latest issue of the club's loss-prevention newsletter Signals.
‘We are seeing an increasing number of claims where crewmembers have been seriously ill, or died, as a result of not taking the necessary medication in the frequency and amount required,' says North's head of loss prevention Tony Baker.
While the more widespread use of higher quality pre-employment medicals has decreased the number of claims resulting from pre-existing illnesses, Baker says the process has helped to diagnose illnesses that can be managed on board provided seafarers comply with their prescribed medication.
According to North, non-compliance with medication regimes on board can seriously compromise duties such as watch-keeping and cargo-care, potentially resulting in serious casualties, and can result in life-threatening medical emergencies in the middle of the ocean.
‘It is vital that crew members understand the importance of taking their medication properly and ensure they have sufficient medication on board for the duration of each voyage, plus ideally an extra two to three months supply,' says Baker. ‘If there is any concern there may be insufficient drugs, this should be brought to the attention of the ship operator as soon as possible so an effort can be made to arrange for additional supply.'
North adds that crew members also need to discuss their illnesses, and the medication they need to take, with both the ship operator and master. ‘Should any problems occur the owner and master will be better able to identify the cause and seek appropriate emergency medical care,' says Baker.
North currently insures a global fleet of 3750 ships entered by a total of 350 member groups. The club is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK with regional liaison offices in Hong Kong, Piraeus and Singapore.