Cyprus has officially endorsed the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, as announced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). The deputy shipping ministry of Cyprus issued a circular recommending the guide for vessels flying its flag, aligning with other flag states that recognize its importance for the health and safety of seafarers and fishers.
The circular also advises approved training institutions to integrate the ICS guide into their STCW medical courses. Cyprus joins the ranks of the Panama Maritime Authority, the Republic of the Marshall Islands Registry, and The Bahamas Maritime Authority in supporting this essential maritime medical resource.
This endorsement is particularly timely, as recent amendments to the International Labour Organization’s Maritime Labour Convention (ILO MLC), agreed upon in May, will reference the ICS guide. These changes, effective from December 2027, further establish the guide as an international standard for maritime medical care.
The ICS emphasizes that the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers is a comprehensive and practical resource tailored for maritime settings, where access to professional medical help can be limited. Ship operators are encouraged to consider making the guide a mandatory requirement to enhance medical preparedness and prioritize crew welfare.
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