Medical Care at Sea: Who Is Responsible and What Records Matter

Illness and injury at sea require early reporting and professional assessment. Maritime labour standards provide a framework for health protection and medical care, but responsibility and benefits in an individual case depend on the facts, contract, flag and applicable law.

In an emergency

Use the vessel’s emergency procedures immediately. Notify the responsible officer or designated medical person. Seek radio medical advice or shore evacuation through authorised channels when required. This article cannot assess symptoms or replace a clinician.

Report promptly

Record when symptoms or an incident began, where it happened, work being performed, witnesses and first aid received. Delayed reporting can endanger health and make the timeline harder to establish. Do not minimise symptoms to protect a schedule.

Keep a complete health record

Where accessible and lawful, retain:

• accident or illness report;
• medical log extracts or treatment summaries provided to you;
• telemedical advice and referrals;
• clinic, hospital and medicine receipts;
• fitness certificates and restrictions;
• travel or repatriation documents;
• correspondence with the company or insurer.

Protect medical privacy. Share records only with people who need them for care or assistance.

Ask practical questions

What treatment is recommended? Is shore care needed? Are you fit for duty or travel? Who arranges and pays covered care, transport and accommodation? What follow-up is required after returning home? Ask for important instructions in writing.

Review ITF rights under the MLC, the ILO MLC portal, and the Malaysia Marine Department seafarers’ health information. NUSPM can help a member identify appropriate support routes.

Medical record checklist

• Emergency procedure followed when needed.
• Incident or symptoms reported promptly.
• Dates, duties and witnesses recorded.
• Treatment summaries and receipts saved.
• Fitness restrictions understood.
• Company/insurer responses retained.
• Follow-up and repatriation needs clarified.