Medical Logbook – Health, Protection and Medicines

Introduction

The Medical Logbook is a professional document used to record health-related events, medical care, prevention measures and treatment activities on board ships. In the merchant navy, the distance from shore-based medical facilities requires a specific organization of medical care. Ships must have appropriate means to respond to illness, injury, accidents and medical emergencies occurring during a voyage.

On-board medical documentation therefore works alongside the ship's medicine chest, medical equipment, medical guides and medical procedures. It covers both preventive health protection and the initial treatment of sick or injured seafarers, as well as medicine management, medical incidents and communication with shore-based medical services.

The Maritime Labour Convention, or MLC, establishes requirements concerning health protection and medical care for seafarers. Exact requirements depend on the flag State, vessel type, number of persons on board and the nature and duration of the voyage. Medical documentation must therefore be integrated into the ship's management system and applicable procedures.

Purpose of a Medical Logbook

The Medical Logbook provides structured traceability of health and medical events occurring on board.

Depending on the ship's procedures and applicable national requirements, it may be used to document or support the monitoring of:

• illnesses and injuries;

• first-aid treatment;

• remote medical consultations;

• medicines administered;

• occupational accidents;

• medical evacuations;

• shore-based medical treatment;

• preventive health measures;

• medicine-chest inspections;

• medical-equipment checks;

• hygiene and health-protection measures.

Individual medical information must be handled with particular attention to confidentiality. The logbook should not become an uncontrolled document containing unnecessary personal medical data.

Maritime Medicine and Distance from Medical Facilities

Maritime medicine has a fundamental characteristic: a qualified medical professional is not necessarily present on board.

Some ships may carry a doctor depending on applicable requirements. On other vessels, medical care is provided by a designated crew member with appropriate medical-care or first-aid training.

This arrangement requires personnel to be able to:

• identify a medical situation quickly;

• assess its seriousness;

• provide first aid;

• use available medical equipment correctly;

• administer authorized treatment;

• request medical advice;

• monitor the patient's condition;

• arrange medical evacuation when necessary.

The Medical Logbook provides a documentary record of the main stages of this process.

Ship's Medicine Chest and Medicines

The ship's medicine chest is a central part of the vessel's medical-care system.

Its contents must be appropriate to the ship and comply with the requirements of the competent authority. Factors such as vessel type, number of persons on board, nature of the voyage, destination and duration may be taken into account.

Medicine management should allow personnel to monitor:

• identification;

• quantities;

• expiry dates;

• storage conditions;

• use;

• replenishment;

• organization;

• availability.

Medicines must be stored according to their specified conditions. Certain products may require particular precautions regarding temperature, light, humidity or access.

Documentary control of the medicine chest is therefore directly linked to safe medical care.

Ship's Medical Guide

The Medical Logbook should be regarded as complementary to the medical guide carried on board.

The International Medical Guide for Ships is a major international reference for maritime medicine. It provides information for personnel responsible for first aid or medical care on board, particularly where a ship does not carry a doctor.

A medical guide can provide information on:

• symptoms;

• medical assessment;

• first aid;

• common illnesses;

• injuries;

• emergencies;

• treatment;

• medicines;

• prevention;

• hygiene;

• situations requiring shore-based medical assistance.

The Medical Logbook, by contrast, provides traceability of the medical events and treatment actually carried out.

Accidents and Injuries on Board

Accidents represent an important category of medical events at sea.

Cargo operations, engine-room work, deck operations, maintenance, working at height and work in specific areas of the ship can expose crew members to a variety of hazards.

An injury may require immediate treatment before medical assistance can be obtained ashore.

Relevant documentary information may include:

• date and time;

• location;

• circumstances;

• nature of the injury;

• first aid provided;

• medicines or medical equipment used;

• evolution of the patient's condition;

• medical advice obtained;

• decisions concerning continued work or evacuation.

The medical record can therefore contribute to subsequent accident analysis and prevention.

Illness and Health Problems

Maritime medical care is not limited to traumatic injuries.

Crew members may also experience infections, digestive disorders, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, pain, skin conditions, dental problems or other illnesses during a voyage.

Distance from medical facilities may require prolonged monitoring before a doctor or hospital becomes accessible.

Appropriate documentation supports continuity of care while respecting medical confidentiality.

Telemedical Advice and Remote Medical Assistance

Remote medical assistance plays an important role when treating illness or injury at sea.

When a vessel is far from a port, a shore-based medical service can assist designated personnel in assessing the situation and determining appropriate action.

Information communicated may include:

• symptoms;

• available vital signs;

• circumstances of the accident;

• treatment already provided;

• evolution of the patient's condition;

• observations or available examination results.

The Medical Logbook may record the consultation or recommendations received in accordance with applicable confidentiality procedures.

First Aid and Crew Training

A medicine chest and medical guide are not sufficient by themselves.

Personnel designated to provide first aid or medical care must receive appropriate training in accordance with applicable requirements, including STCW requirements where applicable.

Training develops the skills needed to respond to injuries, sudden illness and life-threatening emergencies.

Personnel should also know how to:

• locate the medicine chest;

• use medical equipment;

• identify available medical resources;

• apply emergency procedures;

• communicate with shore-based medical services;

• prepare for medical evacuation when necessary.

Hygiene, Prevention and Health Protection

Health on board also depends heavily on prevention.

Life in a closed and shared environment makes hygiene, drinking-water quality, food preservation, ventilation, cleanliness and prevention of communicable diseases particularly important.

Preventive measures may include:

• drinking-water quality control;

• galley hygiene;

• appropriate food storage;

• cleaning of accommodation areas;

• waste management;

• ventilation;

• infection prevention;

• appropriate personal protective equipment;

• crew health education.

These measures form part of an overall health-protection policy for seafarers.

Personal Protection and Occupational Risks

Medical prevention is also closely linked to occupational safety.

Risks vary according to the area of the ship and the work being carried out. These may include noise and vibration in the engine room, heat, chemicals, cargo handling, work at height, enclosed spaces, welding and exposure to hazardous substances.

Protection may require:

• helmets;

• safety glasses or face shields;

• appropriate gloves;

• safety footwear;

• hearing protection;

• respiratory protection;

• protective clothing;

• specialized equipment for dangerous goods operations.

The Medical Logbook can complement safety documentation by recording accidents, exposures and medical interventions.

Dangerous Goods and Medical Treatment

The carriage of dangerous goods presents specific medical risks.

Exposure to a chemical substance may require an immediate response appropriate to the substance involved. Information concerning the product, hazards, protective equipment and medical procedures must be available on board in accordance with applicable requirements.

The Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods, commonly known as MFAG, is an important reference in this field.

Medical documentation should be consistent with the other safety documentation applicable to the carriage of dangerous goods.

Medicine Storage and Control

Control of medicines is an essential part of managing the ship's medicine chest.

Particular attention should be given to:

• expiry dates;

• storage conditions;

• labelling;

• quantities available;

• replenishment;

• medicines requiring special storage;

• separation of certain categories where appropriate;

• traceability of medicines used.

Regular inspections help identify expired, damaged or unusable medicines.

Personnel responsible for the medicine chest should also understand the procedures applicable to medicines requiring special storage or control.

Confidentiality of Medical Information

Medical information is particularly sensitive.

Medical records must be handled in a way that protects the confidentiality of crew members' personal health information.

Information should be accessible to authorized personnel when required for treatment, safety or applicable regulatory purposes without unnecessary disclosure.

This requirement is particularly important when ships use electronic document-management systems.

Inspections and Compliance

The ship's medicine chest, medical equipment and associated documentation may be subject to inspections in accordance with flag State and competent-authority requirements.

Checks may include:

• availability of medical equipment;

• condition of equipment;

• expiry dates;

• storage conditions;

• availability of the required medical guide;

• training of designated personnel;

• inspection records;

• shipboard medical procedures.

Clear documentation can also facilitate Safety Management System audits and ship inspections.

Relationship with Maritime Documentation

The Medical Logbook forms part of the wider professional documentation carried on board.

It may be used alongside safety, navigation and regulatory documentation associated with organizations and maritime administrations such as Shom, Admiralty, NGA and other relevant maritime authorities and organizations.

It does not replace nautical charts, nautical publications, medical guides, MFAG, medical certificates or safety procedures. Each document has its own specific purpose.

Who Uses a Medical Logbook?

This type of documentation is particularly relevant to:

• Masters;

• officers;

• designated medical-care personnel;

• personnel trained in first aid;

• shipowners;

• shipping companies;

• QHSE managers;

• occupational health and safety managers;

• merchant ships;

• passenger ships;

• specialized vessels;

• vessels undertaking long voyages.

It is both a daily monitoring tool and an important element of preparedness for medical emergencies at sea.

Conclusion

The Medical Logbook – Health, Protection and Medicines is an important part of a ship's medical organization. It works alongside the medicine chest, medical equipment, medical guides and first-aid procedures to provide a structured response to illness, injury and medical emergencies.

Its value depends on reliable traceability. Medical events, treatment, medicines, remote consultations, medicine-chest inspections, accidents and preventive measures can be documented in accordance with the procedures applicable to the vessel.

Together with the International Medical Guide for Ships, MFAG, MLC requirements, STCW training and the ship's Safety Management System, it contributes to the protection of seafarers and the medical preparedness of the vessel.

FAQ – Medical Logbook

What is a maritime Medical Logbook?

It is a document used on board to provide traceability of medical events, treatment, medicines, accidents, medical consultations and preventive measures in accordance with the procedures and requirements applicable to the vessel.

Do all ships have to carry a medicine chest?

Applicable international requirements provide for ships within the relevant scope to carry a medicine chest, medical equipment and a medical guide, with detailed requirements depending on the flag State, vessel type, number of persons on board and voyage characteristics.

What medicines should be carried in a ship's medicine chest?

The contents depend on the requirements of the competent authority and the characteristics of the vessel. They should take into account factors such as voyage type, duration and the number of persons on board.

Who can administer medicines on board?

This depends on the ship's medical organization and applicable regulations. Designated personnel must have the required training and act in accordance with the ship's medical procedures.

What is the International Medical Guide for Ships?

It is an international maritime medical guide intended, among others, for personnel responsible for providing medical care on board. It covers the assessment, treatment and prevention of health problems encountered by seafarers.

What is the purpose of MFAG?

The Medical First Aid Guide for Use in Accidents Involving Dangerous Goods provides medical guidance for accidents involving dangerous goods carried by sea.

Can a ship obtain medical advice while at sea?

Yes. The international framework provides for access to medical advice at sea, including through radio or satellite communication, within the systems established by the competent authority.

Why should medicines on board be inspected regularly?

Inspections help verify expiry dates, storage conditions, available quantities, labelling and the general condition of the medicine chest.

Must a Medical Logbook protect confidentiality?

Yes. Individual medical information must be protected and accessible only to authorized personnel or where its use is necessary for treatment or applicable regulatory purposes.

What is the role of STCW in maritime medical care?

STCW establishes training requirements relating to medical first aid and medical care for designated seafarers, according to the vessel and duties concerned.

Does the Medical Logbook replace the ship's medical guide?

No. The medical guide provides information needed for medical assessment and treatment, while the Medical Logbook primarily documents medical events and interventions carried out on board.

Why is prevention important in maritime medicine?

Prevention helps reduce accidents, communicable diseases and occupational health risks. It includes hygiene, personal protection, health education, drinking-water quality and food safety.