Crew safeguarding

Marine Medical Solutions is calling for stronger safeguarding measures to protect seafarers, including the introduction of mandatory declarations for crew members living with HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Currently, seafarers are not required to declare these conditions before boarding a vessel. While this is intended to avoid stigma and discrimination, Marine Medical Solutions believes it leaves a gap in safeguarding at sea. Dr Jens Tülsner said: "Seafarers living with HIV or hepatitis should never face discrimination. But at the same time, the nature of life at sea means that accidents happen, and blood-borne transmission poses a real risk. The industry must find a balance between protecting privacy and ensuring safety".