World Maritime Day: MedSea Unveils 2023 Maritime Health Trends: Insights for a Healthier Seascape

Medsea, a globally recognized International SOS company that specializes in providing essential healthcare services to seafarers, is shedding light on the top four commercial maritime health trends set to shape the remainder of 2023. Leveraging data analysis spanning the year to date, MedSea's medical experts are offering crucial insights, especially as the northern hemisphere braces for the upcoming winter months.

Seafarers, perpetually exposed to a myriad of occupational hazards and confronting arduous working conditions, are especially susceptible to a spectrum of physical afflictions and mental health challenges. Research underscores the sobering reality that seafarers face a mortality rate 1.3 times higher than their peers in other industries, with smoking and alcohol-related causes being particularly impactful contributors.

Dr. Katherine Sinclaire, Senior Medical Advisor at MedSea, underscores the paramount significance of championing the health and well-being of seafarers. She urges seafarers to reach out for medical assistance regardless of their circumstances, not only to mitigate the risks of deteriorating medical conditions but also to contribute invaluable data that can enhance onboard healthcare and effectively address prevalent health issues.

Dr. Sinclaire further emphasizes, "As medical professionals, a central aspect of our role is to harness this data to advocate for better health at sea. Our goal is to minimize discomfort for seafarers, particularly when shoreside medical assistance remains days away, by proactively preventing and educating."

Here are the four pivotal maritime health trends that have emerged from the case data:

1. Escalation in Dental Health Cases

From January to August 2023, dental-related issues constituted 13% of all International SOS Maritime cases, positioning it as the second most prevalent case category, just after COVID-19. This category has experienced a year-on-year increase in case volumes. It is well-documented that subpar dental hygiene may be intertwined with other chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease. Given the preventable nature of dental issues, it is imperative for ship owners and operators to vigorously promote dental health on board.

2. Safeguarding Seafarers Against COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Risks

Global COVID-19 cases continue to cast a substantial shadow, as evidenced by the data from MedSea, where COVID-19 remains the most prominent case category by volume. As winter's chill approaches, this trend is poised to persist, accompanied by the presence of viruses like Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In light of this, ship owners should contemplate administering COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccinations to at-risk seafarers, thereby mitigating the potential for illnesses at sea and associated operational disruptions.

3. Tackling Gastrointestinal Challenges and Containing Norovirus Outbreaks Onboard

MedSea also frequently encounters gastrointestinal issues as a common ailment among seafarers. Prolonged durations at sea, irregular working schedules, and limited access to fresh, nourishing sustenance can give rise to digestive complications like gastritis, constipation, and food poisoning. Moreover, Noroviruses are a recurrent concern within the maritime industry. This highly contagious virus can proliferate swiftly in close quarters, such as cruise ships, precipitating severe gastrointestinal ailments among crew members.

To avert gastrointestinal maladies on board, ship owners must institute stringent sanitation measures, ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water, and promote rigorous hygiene practices. It is imperative for seafarers to acquire comprehensive knowledge of food safety practices, encompassing proper food handling, preparation, and storage.

4. Cultivating a Culture of Healthy Lifestyles Among Seafarers

Encouraging seafarers to adopt health-conscious practices such as maintaining balanced diets, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol abuse prevention can yield far-reaching benefits. A well-rounded diet guarantees that seafarers receive vital nutrients indispensable for peak physical and mental performance during extended sojourns at sea. Smoking cessation serves to diminish the risk of tobacco-related ailments and bolsters respiratory health, an indispensable aspect for those laboring in confined maritime spaces. Addressing alcohol abuse not only augments seafarers' health but also diminishes accident risks, ensuring a safer and healthier maritime environment.

Sources:

1. Occupational Medicine, Volume 70 (2020) - Mortality among seafarers: a register-based follow-up study
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Oral Health Conditions
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Norovirus