Illness must be treated somewhat differently compared with injury and cargo claims, as most preventive measures need to be implemented before the crew member boards the vessel.
The Club’s statistics show cardiovascular disease as the most common and costly illness.

To improve the health of the crew the manager can promote healthier diets, ensure there are exercise facilities on board, discourage smoking and drinking, and support crew members who wish to change their lifestyle. It is also sensible to offer a Pre Engagement Medical Examination (PEME) to crew members before being employed.

There is also the ever-increasing problem in the industry of finding experienced, properly trained seafarers. Retention of quality personnel is a priority and it is important that these quality personnel are given the tools and the encouragement to make healthy choices. For managers, it is essential that they are sure that their crew members are fit and healthy before they are employed. A serious illness can cause so many other concerns besides the person’s own illness. The vessel can be delayed in arriving at the next port, delayed in port, there can be problems finding replacement crew and the stress this will cause on board and ashore is difficult to measure in monetary terms.

The Club’s statistics show cardiovascular disease as far the most common and the most costly illness. Unlike many illnesses, remedial action can be taken on board however. To improve the health of the crew the manager can promote healthier diets, ensure there are exercise facilities on board, discourage smoking and drinking, and support crew members who wish to change their lifestyle.

It is also sensible to offer a Pre Engagement Medical Examination (PEME) to crew members before being employed.

Mental illness

     Identifying mental illness - When psychological testing isn’t enough