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7 Illness

physician and the Club. In most instance the Club respects the is against expert medical advice and

cases, where this delicate issue arises, decision of the seafarer, at this stage recommendations given, and further

the Club will utilise the networkit may be necessary for the Club to that he releases the member from any
of medical experts available, toprotect the member’s interests by liability regarding the consequences

make certain that the seafarer is obtaining a declaration from the of his decision.

fully informed of the consequences seafarer, in which he conirms that Appendix (v) examines the issue of
any decision he may make e.g. to he is fully aware of the risks he is medical conidentiality consent and

refuse treatment. While in the irstassuming by making a decision thatdisclosure in detail.

7.6 Prevention

Illness claims are somewhat different in nature to injury and cargo claims. To prevent illness it is essential that the
company has established preventative measures, before the crew member joins the vessel, and that the company

promotes healthy living on their vessels. It is also very important to have comprehensive new-hire procedures, to

ensure that the new crew member is healthy. It is unfortunate that the normal health certiicate appears to be
insuficient and the Club believes that a more extensive health certiicate is required. The best prevention is to

carry out a PEME.

Of course there is also a need for procedures that ensure that all the crew in the company are healthy.
Illness can strike at any time but by trying to identify problem areas and risks before they occur is good loss

prevention and minimises the exposure in this respect.

• If possible complete a PEME on the crew member
• Promote healthy food and diet on board the vessel

• Help crew members to stop smoking

• Ensure alcohol consumption is limited
• Promote both physical activity on board and when home on vacation

• Have a functional gym on board the vessel

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