From February 18–20, 2025, the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) held a workshop to review Appendix E
of the ILO/IMO Guidelines on the Medical Examination for Seafarers, at the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency offices
in Southampton. This initiative was built on discussions at the International Symposium on Maritime Health in Athens
2023 and the Joint ILO/IMO meeting held in February 2024.
Among the debated topics were obesity, vision standards, diabetes, and the impact of new medications such as biologics and anticoagulants. Discussions highlighted the need for evidence-based guidelines that accommodate modern medicine while ensuring seafarers’ fitness for duty. The workshop also addressed conditions such as renal disease, epilepsy, malignancies, and substance use, with experts emphasizing the need for more nuanced assessments.
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