Advice

Medical examination results obtained from the UK P&I Club PEME clinic network indicate 10.1% of crew unfitness is related to hepatitis, with 8.5% of the total crew found unfit due to Hepatitis B.

We all encounter stressful events in our personal, professional or social life. It is important to remember that not all stress is negative, some stress is positive, motivating us to maximise our productivity and creativity.

The liver carries out essential work fighting infection, destroying poisons and alcohol, cleaning the blood and controlling cholesterol. Liver disease can be fatal and rarely shows any signs or symptoms until it is too late.

While the holiday season can bring about some unwanted stress, there are some scientific reasons why your mood can be affected by the seasons.

At the end of 2016, there were approximately 36.7 million people living with HIV. It is possible to protect yourself and others from HIV infection, and with the right treatment, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life.

1st November marks the start of Diabetes Awareness Month.  In the UK, and elsewhere around the World, people will be encouraged to “turn November Blue” in acknowledgement of diabetes awareness. 

A crew member recently suffered a serious head injury after a slip and fall down some stairs onboard. This resulted in him being in Intensive Care for a month followed by surgery. After his medical repatriation back to the Philippines, he required further surgery and a rigorous plan of physiotherapy, occupational therapy and rehabilitation.

A UK P&I Club Member recently reported the death of two crew members. The crew were found unresponsive onboard, apparently suffering from heat stroke. Sadly, particularly at this time of year, this is not an isolated incident.

Mental health affects crew of all ages, nationalities and ranks. A recent analysis of crew mental health revealed anxiety, social isolation, pressure of work and disturbed sleep can affect crew, all of which can negatively influence their mental health.

The Crew Health team recently analysed data from 900+ crew medical examinations where multiple illnesses were highlighted. Over 200 crewmembers failed their pre-sea medical examination due to a combination of serious illnesses in addition to obesity.

Dental problems are often a major cause for concern amongst seafarers. At the UK P&I Club, we often see claims arising from dental problems that require urgent medical treatment and even repatriation of crew.

Dr. Balaji of Balaji Medical Centre, Chennai, India, explains why hepatitis B, a little known infection, kills more people worldwide than HIV/AIDS.

Over the last 12 months, several cases of illness on Members’ ships indicate possible dehydration in the underlying health of the crew. 

The PEME team together with their accredited clinics provide advice and information on a range of illnesses affecting crew. The latest health focus from PEME and People Claims is on mental health issues on-board.

Are your crew members getting enough sleep?A recent US study into sleep found that sleep deprivation is one of the main contributory causes of accidents. George Radu from our San Francisco office explains.

Dr Marcus Brauer, a General Practitioner from one of the Club’s PEME approved clinics in South Africa, provides valuable medical insight into one of the industry’s most concerning medical issues: diabetes.

Hypertension is currently the second most frequent reason for PEME failure and the illness alone represents 8% of all unfit decisions.  Hypertension is a constant cause of crew illness incidents and can lead to heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia and chronic kidney disease. In 2014 it was estimated that Hypertension cost the NHS in the UK over £2 Billion in health care services and medications. 

The UK P&I Club PEME Programme provides an enhanced medical screening service for all crew. As part of the PEME examination, crew are screened on all the major body organs and functions. Data collected from the medical...