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7 Illness

7 Illness

7.1 Introduction

The frequency of illness was somewhat stable between The top 10 individual most expensive illness claims over the

2009 and 2014. However we have seen a steady rise in the past 10 years were in the following claims categories:

average cost of illness over the past ten years and are now
seeing a sharp increase in frequency. This high frequency is Conditions of:

a warning sign and this category must be closely monitored

going forward.
The ever-increasing problem for the industry in inding 1. Nervous systemTanker

experienced, properly trained seafarers, is another reason 2. Digestive systemContainer
3. Cardiovascular system Container
for keeping a close watch on this issue, as this seems to be a
problem that is here to stay.4. Cardiovascular system Container

For owners, it is essential that they know that their crew 5. Cardiovascular system Bulker
6. Cardiovascular system Container
members are it and healthy before they are employed.
A serious illness can cause many other issues besides the 7. Cardiovascular system Bulker

person’s own illness - the vessel can be delayed in arriving 8. Genito-urinary system Container
at the next port; delayed in port and there can be problems 9. Cardiovascular systemTanker

inding replacement crew. The stress this will cause on board 10. Nervous systemBulker

and ashore is dificult to measure in monetary terms.
To help prevent these problems the owner can promote a

healthier diet, ensure there are exercise facilities on board,

discourage smoking and drinking; support crew members
who wish to change their lifestyle, and offer a PEME (Pre-

Employment Medical Examination) to their crew members

before being employed.

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