Illness

Illness must be treated somewhat differently than injury and cargo claims, as most preventive measures must 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 crew’s health, the manager can promote healthier diets, ensure exercise facilities onboard, discourage smoking and drinking, and support crew members who wish to change their lifestyles. It is also sensible to offer crew members a Pre Engagement Medical Examination (PEME) before being employed.

There is also the ever-increasing problem of finding experienced, properly trained seafarers. Retention of quality personnel is a priority, and this quality personnel must be 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 many other concerns besides the person’s illness. The vessel can be delayed in arriving at the next port, delayed in port, and there can be problems finding replacement crew and the stress this will cause on board and ashore is difficult to measure in monetary terms.

Illness Claims

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 crew’s health, 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 crew members a Pre Engagement Medical Examination (PEME) before being employed.