Non-emergency medical care at ports is becoming more difficult to access during the pandemic, leaving sick seafarers to suffer in silence, sometimes for months at a time.
Access to medical care in port is enshrined in the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). The ship owner is also obliged to provide seafarers with free onboard medical care.
However, seafarers report a lack of non-emergency medical or dental services available to them around the world.
'It is no longer "Physician heal thyself, but Seafarers heal thyself",' the @SecretCapt said on Twitter.
'We must get medical facilities in ports open again for my crew. I want to get them to see a dentist when they need one. We need to concentrate on the health and well-being of the seafarers.
'Am I being unreasonable?'
Seafarers also report a lack of access to non-Covid related medical care has become a barrier to employment. One member described a sick colleague who has been off work for several months with non-Covid medical needs who was unable to get an appointment to see a consultant or get the necessary surgery.
Another member reported being on an NHS waiting list 'for months' with no idea when they would be seen.
In the UK members can access the Dreadnought Medical Service, a priority service for seafarers and, in some cases, partners and children based at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London.
Tags
More articles
New Covid test and quarantine exemption certificate for arrivals from Red List countries
Nautilus has updated its key worker exemption from mandatory quarantine and proof of negative Covid-19 test documentation, used by seafarers on arrival in the UK.
Singapore crew changes cancelled as airlines demand negative Covid tests
Crew changes through Singapore have been thrown into disarray as airlines demand proof of negative Covid-19 tests, despite seafarers being exempted from the new rules.
UK confirms seafarer keyworkers exempt from mandatory Covid test rules for inbound travel
The UK government has confirmed that seafarers who are travelling for employment are exempted from the requirement to take a PCR or equivalent Covid-19 test not more than 72 hours before boarding their mode of transport to the UK.
Netherlands imposes mandatory Covid rapid testing for inbound travel
Passengers to the Netherlands on planes and ferries from England, including truck drivers, must be in possession of a negative rapid test taken immediately before departure.
Report brands Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Board 'not fit for purpose'
A new report presented to the Irish legislature (Oireachtas) has found that the country's Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) is 'not fit for purpose'
Crew Matters app with links to Nautilus launched by Isle of Man Ship Registry
Nautilus has welcomed a new Crew Matters app launched by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, which also features services offed by the Union.