Health risk classification patterns among Filipino seafarers: A 5-year review

During the 2023 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum, Dr. Christian Angelo P. Lubaton, Medical Director for Holistic Care presented a study by Nordic Medical Clinic between 2018 and 2022, with a participation of 11,831 seafarers. Results revealed a significant proportion of seafarers having higher risk classifications. It also showed that higher risk classes take a longer time to be fit to work.

Demographic and occupational characteristics such as age, sex, marital status, and position on board have differential distribution of risk classifications among seafarers. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive risk assessment and management strategies in the maritime industry.

Given the results of the study, we, the authors of this paper, would like to inspire the leaders of the maritime healthcare industry, and the following recommendations are proposed:

•  there is a need revisit and for further studies on the standards on proper pre-boarding medical screening of seafarers that is holistic and tailor-fit for the nature of the specific role at sea, type of vessel and voyage, length of contract and location of work at sea;

   

•  given an understanding of the medical risk classification, a vessel-specific, work location-specific or role-specific medical class could be applied similar to the military or pilot medical certification class;

   

•  shorter work contract duration and deployment in near coastal waters could present as an option for seafarers with a pre-existing but controlled medical condition, especially when they have a unique set of skills that is difficult to find among a small pool of specialized maritime workers;

   

• implementing more frequent health screenings and preventive measures specific to age-related conditions can help mitigate the impact of these health issues and ensure the continued well-being of older seafarers; and

   

•  tailored health promotion strategies and occupational health programmes for seafarers are necessary preventive approaches to health and safety at sea.