ICS publishes new landmark practical medical guide which can deliver a remarkable difference in seafarers' and fishers' lives on board vessels

Given the remote nature of shipping, seafarers know that their life may sometimes depend on athand 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 includes most merchant ships in operation.

Recognising this need, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, in collaboration with the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The medical guide's content has been created by an international team of maritime medical experts that ICS called on to provide the latest medical knowledge on all injuries, illnesses, and health issues experienced on ships and fishing vessels. All members of the guide's technical review group dedicated themselves to creating a medical guide that could improve seafarers' working conditions and make a remarkable difference in seafarers' and fishers' lives while on board vessels.