Health and Safety While Working at Sea

The challenges faced by seafarers are numerous, both physical and mental, and the industry has put stringent standards in place to ensure the safety of the ship, its personnel, and the protection and preservation of the environment around them.

The fundamental principles that have to be met and adhered to by each member of the crew mean that significant risk factors such as security, safety, and pollution control are kept under tight control.

If you are looking to enter into a maritime career, the demands for meeting the above criteria mean you will need to get the right amount of rest to prevent fatigue from setting in. There are strict controls for seafarers regarding rest periods with entitlement to a minimum of 10 hours of break within any 24-hour period and 77 hours of rest in any 7-day timespan.

This entitlement is sometimes overruled in exceptional circumstances, such as in emergencies, but scheduling can take this into account, and as soon as the situation is under control, a return to normal working conditions will be established.

Security and safety at sea mean each and every member of the crew has to have reached certified standards of achievement in order to carry out their designated tasks. Some safety qualifications are completed onboard, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) program, which covers firefighting, first-aid, survival techniques, and pollution control.

The health of seafarers of all levels is critical to the safe operation of the vessel. The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCW) sets clear standards to ensure seafarers can carry out their duties. The certificate they are aiming to complete is tailor-made for the rank you hold and the type of operation you are training for and then performing.

Medical fitness examinations are undertaken by qualified practitioners to upkeep the physical and mental condition of seafarers. These personnel are completely independent, and their assessments are unbiased, promoting transparency and trust in the certification process and, therefore, throughout the industry.

The need for medical supervision onboard is not neglected, with regular checks being carried out regarding both physical and mental performance levels being assessed. 6-monthly check-ups are common, and when necessary, further tests are carried out during times of specific health concerns. This is particularly important in remote locations on long voyages.

Ships carrying more than 100 crew, on voyages of 4 days or more, must have a qualified doctor onboard. Medical advice, either via radio or satellite communication, must be available 24 hours a day. 

Shipowners are responsible for the health protection and medical care of all seafarers onboard their ships. The price of this maintenance has also to be borne by the shipowners, liable for the costs relating to any sickness and injury endured by personnel at sea.

The reporting of unsafe conditions while onboard is a provision every operator must have in place. Any accidents have to be thoroughly investigated in order to prevent recurrence.

The maritime industry places great emphasis on the fitness of seafarers, and organizations such as the STCW Convention are in place to ensure that guidelines on health and safety onboard are met with due diligence.