Doing the right thing is Important!

Growing up, we are taught to do what is morally and ethically correct, even when no one is watching. It is a fundamental value that all individuals should seek to uphold in their personal and professional lives, and it includes honesty, integrity, and responsibility. Thus, doing the right thing demonstrates a strong commitment to ethical conduct.

In shipping, every seafarer has to do a pre-joining medical examination before beginning any contractual tour of duty, where the doctor certifies their fitness for duty, during which period they must report their health issues, medications, and dietary requirements, if any.

However, one of the panel discussions at a recent Marex Media medical conclave highlighted the fact that some seafarers do not fully reveal their existing health conditions before signing their contracts. This could be from fear of being unable to commence their tour of duty, or even losing their job permanently.

Yes, ethically it is the right thing to do, due to the severity of the health difficulties, as well as whether the seafarer can continue working in an appropriate manner without becoming an encumbrance to the ship or their loved ones.

The serious difficulties may include:
Compromised Safety: Undisclosed health conditions might jeopardise the entire crew’s safety, resulting in mishaps or emergency circumstances at sea.

Operational Disruptions: Illness can affect ship operations, resulting in delays, reduced efficiency, and increased costs for the shipping company.

Medical Emergency Response: The ship may need to detour to the nearest port for medical care, resulting in unexpected stops and costly consequences.

Increased Workload: To compensate for the sick seafarer, other crew members may be required to take on more responsibilities, which can lead to weariness and lower overall efficiency.

Legal Implications: Non-disclosure may violate maritime regulations, resulting in legal penalties such as fines or possibly the revocation of marine certification.

Employment: The seafarer may face disciplinary actions, including termination, and may find it difficult to obtain future maritime employment owing to a tarnished professional image.

Insurance: Non-disclosure may have an impact on both the individual’s and the ship’s insurance coverage, complicating the coverage of medical bills or potential liabilities.

As a result, it is critical for sailors to honestly state their medical condition or any medications to the doctor during their pre-joining medical. Furthermore, they must carry an adequate supply of the required medication, as well as their doctor’s prescription, throughout the contractual period. Seafarers must also keep the Master informed of their medical conditions.

Individuals’ most valuable asset is their health. So we must take the required actions to restore our health through prescribed drugs and dietary requirements, because this is the correct thing to do to protect ourselves, our loved ones at home, and the crew on board.

Marex Media