Marine Medical Solutions Advocates for Enhanced Safety Protocols for Seafarers

The company suggests mandatory disclosures for seafarers with critical health conditions to ensure workplace safety.

OneCare Group’s Marine Medical Solutions has urged the introduction of stricter protection measures for the health of seafarers. Proposed changes include requiring crew members with conditions like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C to sign a confidential declaration acknowledging their responsibility to safeguard others.

Dr. Jens Tülsner, the firm’s founder and CEO, stated: “Seafarers living with HIV or Hepatitis should never face discrimination. These conditions can be managed, and they should have the same opportunities as their colleagues. However, the nature of life at sea means accidents can occur, and blood-borne transmission poses a significant risk. The industry must balance protecting privacy and ensuring safety.”

Bridging a Critical Gap
Currently, seafarers are not required to declare such health conditions before joining a vessel; this is intended to avoid stigma and discrimination. However, Marine Medical Solutions believes it exposes a vulnerability in safety protocols at sea.

As a solution, the company proposes that affected seafarers should commit to managing their health onboard responsibly and notify designated personnel when disclosure is essential for the safety of the crew.

Executives at Marine Medical Solutions believe these reforms could enhance trust, eliminate stigma, and create a clear framework for safeguarding in maritime workplaces.

Dr. Tülsner remarked: “This isn’t about exclusion; it’s about responsibility. A simple safety contract would protect everyone involved: it would provide reassurance to colleagues, support individuals living with HIV or Hepatitis, and lower the chances of misunderstandings or unsafe practices aboard.”