Life at sea is demanding, and for Bangladeshi ship crews working on international waters, health concerns can become serious challenges. Unlike workers on land, who can visit a doctor whenever needed, sailors often have limited medical access while onboard. But what happens when a crew member falls sick or gets injured in the middle of the ocean?

In this article, we explore the health risks faced by Bangladeshi ship crews, the medical facilities available on ships, emergency procedures, and what sailors can do to protect themselves.

Health Risks Faced by Ship Crews

Sailing on the open seas exposes ship crews to various health risks. These include:

1. Seasickness and Motion Sickness – Many sailors experience nausea and dizziness, especially in rough waters. While most adjust over time, severe cases can make it difficult to perform duties.
2. Infectious Diseases – Ships are enclosed environments, making it easy for diseases to spread. The risk of infections, including respiratory illnesses, food poisoning, and skin infections, is high.
3. Injuries – Working on a ship involves physical labor, heavy machinery, and slippery decks, increasing the chances of injuries such as cuts, fractures, and burns.
4. Chronic Conditions – Crew members with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease may struggle to manage their health due to limited medical care onboard.
5. Mental Health Issues – Long working hours, isolation, and stress can lead to depression and anxiety, which are often overlooked in the maritime industry.

What Medical Facilities Are Available on Ships?

Most commercial ships have basic medical facilities, but these are nowhere near the standard of a hospital. The medical resources available on board usually include:

• A First Aid Kit – Stocked with bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, and common medicines.
• Medical Training for Crew Members – Some crew members receive basic medical training to handle emergencies.
• Telemedicine Services – Ships can communicate with doctors onshore through radio or satellite for medical advice.
• Isolation Areas – In case of contagious diseases, some ships have designated spaces to quarantine sick crew members.

However, the effectiveness of onboard medical care depends on the ship’s size, its company policies, and the distance from the nearest port.

What Happens When a Crew Member Gets Sick?

The response to a medical emergency at sea depends on the severity of the illness or injury. Here’s how it typically works:

1. First Aid and Onboard Treatment

If a crew member falls sick, they first receive care from the onboard medical officer (if available) or the captain. Basic medicines, pain relief, or wound care are provided, but if the condition worsens, further steps must be taken.

2. Contacting a Telemedicine Service

Many ships have access to telemedicine services, allowing them to consult doctors remotely. The ship’s captain or medical officer describes the symptoms, and the doctor advises on treatment. This can include recommending medication, diet changes, or monitoring symptoms.

3. Diverting the Ship to the Nearest Port

If the condition is serious and cannot be treated onboard, the captain may decide to divert the ship to the nearest port where proper medical facilities are available. However, this decision depends on factors such as weather conditions, ship schedule, and company policies.

4. Medical Evacuation by Helicopter or Boat

For life-threatening situations, a medical evacuation (medevac) may be arranged. This usually involves a rescue helicopter or a speedboat from a nearby country or coast guard. However, evacuations are expensive and depend on the ship’s location and weather conditions.

5. Receiving Care at the Next Port

Once at port, the crew member can seek proper medical treatment. Some countries offer free or subsidized medical care for sailors, but in other cases, the shipping company or insurance may cover the costs.

Challenges Faced by Sick Crew Members

Despite the procedures in place, getting medical care at sea is not always easy. Some of the challenges faced by sick sailors include:

• Limited Medicine Supply – Ships carry only essential medications, meaning that certain treatments may not be available.
• Delayed Evacuations – Bad weather or logistical issues can delay urgent medical evacuations.
• Lack of Professional Medical Staff – Most ships do not have doctors or nurses on board, meaning that serious conditions often go untreated until reaching land.
• Fear of Job Loss – Some crew members hesitate to report illnesses due to fear of being dismissed or losing their income.

How Bangladeshi Ship Crews Can Protect Their Health

To reduce health risks at sea, Bangladeshi sailors should take preventive measures, including:

1. Carrying Personal Medications – Those with chronic conditions should bring enough medicine for their entire trip, along with prescriptions from their doctor.
2. Maintaining Good Hygiene – Washing hands regularly and eating hygienic food can prevent many infections.
3. Following Safety Procedures – Wearing protective gear and following workplace safety rules can help avoid injuries.
4. Seeking Help Early – Reporting symptoms early increases the chances of receiving proper treatment before the condition worsens.
5. Getting Vaccinated – Vaccines for flu, hepatitis, and other diseases can prevent serious illnesses.

Case Study: A Real-Life Medical Emergency at Sea

To better understand what happens when a sailor falls sick, let’s look at a real-life case.

In 2022, a Bangladeshi crew member on a cargo ship in the Indian Ocean developed severe abdominal pain. The onboard medical officer provided painkillers, but his condition worsened. After consulting a doctor via satellite, it was suspected that he had appendicitis.

Since the nearest port was over 48 hours away, the company arranged for a helicopter evacuation. The sailor was airlifted to a hospital in Sri Lanka, where he underwent emergency surgery. Fortunately, he made a full recovery, but the situation highlighted the importance of quick decision-making and emergency planning.

Conclusion

Falling sick at sea is a serious issue, but Bangladeshi ship crews can take steps to protect their health. While onboard medical facilities are limited, telemedicine and emergency evacuations help manage critical cases. However, prevention remains the best strategy—by staying healthy, following safety guidelines, and reporting illnesses early, sailors can reduce the risks of medical emergencies at sea.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate information, readers should consult a medical professional or maritime authority for guidance on health-related matters at sea.