23.1 Medical Stores
23.1.1 Medical stores should be carried in accordance with the
requirements set out in MSN 1768 (M+F)footnotewhich can be obtained from the MCA website at
www.gov.uk/mca or from any MCA Marine Office. This requires medical stores according
to the distance from shore that a vessel operates.
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For vessels in Area Categories 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Category C stores are
required, as listed in Appendix 1 of the MSN 1768.
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For vessels in Area Category 1, Category B stores are required, and
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For vessels in Area Category 0, Category A stores are required as listed
in Appendix 1 of the MSN 1768.
Note:
All vessels should carry a full copy of MSN 1768 (M+F) with the medical
stores.
23.1.2 The notes to the MSN explain the flexibility available, under
the MSN, in terms of the selection of medicines and medical equipment to be carried.
Where, because of the particular type of vessel or operation, and based on a risk
assessment and professional medical advice, it is considered impractical or unsafe to
carry a specific item, this may be omitted. Where any item is omitted, this should be
stated on the medical stores, with a note indicating the specific item that is
omitted and that its omission is based on risk assessment and medical advice.
23.1.3 If the vessel carries dangerous cargoes, the operator should
ensure that the additional requirements in 29.6.3 are met, where necessary.
23.2 Medical Care on Board Ship and Ashore
23.2.1 Note should be made of the first aid training requirements in
Appendix 3.
23.2.2 The owner should ensure that if the Master or crew require
medical or dental treatment which cannot be provided on board, while employed or
working on the vessel, they are able wherever practicable to seek medical attention
ashore, and any treatment is provided at no cost to the individual. MGN 482 provides
further information.
23.3 Shipowner’s Liability for Medical Care
23.3.1 The owner is liable to pay for the medical care and any related
expenses for accommodation or keep for up to 16 weeks, or until the seafarer has been
repatriated if that is longer, for seafarers who are ill or injured during, or as a
result of, employment on the vessel.
23.3.2 For further information and guidance on the owner’s
responsibility for medical care, see MGN 480 to be published during 2014. .