THE INTERNATIONAL Chamber of Shipping has published a new medical guide designed to help seafarers manage onboard medical emergencies.

ICS developed the first edition of the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers in collaboration with the International Maritime Health Association and the International Transport Workers’ Federation.

Members of the guide’s technical review group set out to create a guide that could improve seafarers’ working conditions and make “a remarkable difference” in their lives on board.

“Seafarers are among the most isolated people on earth when it comes to medical care and we should do everything possible to help them and assist them,” International Maritime Health Association president Robert Verbist said.

“This guide was reviewed by an international group of maritime medical specialists to ensure the language and terminology are international.

“Anything being done to improve the health care of seafarers must be done in a multinational context.”

The ICS said the new medical guide solves a problem for ships sailing under flags that do not have a national guide.

ICS director of employment affairs Natalie Shaw said ICS recognised an urgent need for updated medical information.

“This was highlighted when we saw the overwhelming and positive response to the medical materials we published during Covid-19,” she said.

The ICS published resources throughout the pandemic to explain health practices to seafarers.

“Having established relationships with medical experts for many years, we undertook the extensive process of producing a completely new, comprehensive, and practical guide covering all medical situations that would provide modern medical support for crew and for shipping companies.”

The publication includes a main guide featuring medical knowledge and explanation of procedures, a guide explaining the medicines and medical equipment that should be carried on board, and action cards that can be taken to the scene of a medical emergency.

It includes chapters on assessing and treating mental health issues, seasickness and communicating with telemedical services.