Measures Protect Against Infections

MGN 257(M) Prevention of infectious disease at sea by immunisations and anti-malaria medication (prophylaxis) Notice to shipowners, ship operators and managers, manning agencies, port operators, ship masters and seafarers.

This guidance note provides information and recommendation on how to obtain appropriate immunisations against infections diseases likely to be encountered by seafarers in the course of their duties, and medication for protection against malaria.

Infections can be life-threatening health problems for seafarers and lead to major costs and disruption for maritime employers. Ship operators and employers are responsible for implementing procedures that minimise the risks of infection. The likelihood of contracting an infectious disease is increased by: the frequency of disease associated with specific routes and ports; the job of each seafarer; and the hygienic and clinical preventative measures taken.

Infection can be transmitted by food and water, from person to person, or by insect bites. The major means of infection control on board ship are through effective hygiene measures, which are referred to in the Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen.

Good hygiene must be supplemented by clinical preventive measures:

immunisations for a range of infectious diseases, and preventative medication in the case of malaria, since immunisation is not available.

Annex 1 contains useful references for further information.

Annex 2 lists the UK routine immunisations and additional immunisations required for specific jobs, special risks and geographical areas. The schedule of immunisation applicable to the UK in Annex 3 covers the name of vaccine, dose, schedule, booster frequency and availability from a GP. Annex 4 summarises the malaria medication needs in areas with and without chloroquine resistance. Annex 5 lists the drugs and doses required for malaria emergency standby medication.

Criteria Agreed For 'Recognised Organisations'

MSN 1672(Amendment 2) The Merchant Shipping (Ship Inspection and Survey Organisations) Regulations 1996 Notice to classification societies, shipowners, ship operators and managers, masters and officers of merchant ships.

Common EU rules and standards for ship inspections and survey organisations were introduced by The Merchant Shipping (Ship Inspection and Survey Organisations) Regulations.

In December 2001 (Directive 2001/105/EC), changes were made that relate to: guidelines to assist Flag States in the implementation of IMO instruments; new monitoring requirements; provisions concerning financial liability;

and minimum criteria for the recognition of classification societies as 'recognised organisations'.

Following the publication of the amending directive, the MCA and the UK's recognised classification societies developed and signed new agreements to implement the changes. The agreements entered into force on the 1 April 2003 and were due implementation by 22 July 2003.

The annex to this note updates the contact details for the UK's Recognised Classification Societies.

Deck and Marine Engineer Officers Exam Dates Set

MIN 149(M) Written examination dates for Certificates of Competency issued by the MCA in the year commencing 1 September 2003 - Deck and Marine Engineer Officers.

Notice to shipowners, masters, officers and seamen in the Merchant Navy and to marine colleges.

The appendix to this note sets out the pattern of written examinations for Merchant Navy Certificates of Competency for the academic year to 31 August 2004. It also sets out the vocational qualification or examination route to certification for the various categories of deck and engine department officers.

Exam Dates Set for Yacht and Sail Training Officers MIN 147(M) Written examination dates for Certificates of Competency (limited to yachts and sail training vessels) issued by the MCA in the year commencing 1 September 2003 Engineer Officers (Limited to yachts and sail training vessels) Notice to owners, masters, deck officers, engineer officers and crews of commercially operated yachts, sail training vessels and those concerned with maritime training.

Appendix 1 to this note sets out the dates of Engineer Officer (Yacht Restricted) written examinations for large commercial and private yachts and sail training vessels for the academic year to 31 August 2004.

The examinations will be administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority on behalf of the MCA, and may be taken at the centres listed in Appendix 2.

NOTE: MCA Notices are not available from the Maritime Journal. Requests for M Notices should be made to Tel: 0115 901 3336. The MCA's 24hr UK public information line is 0870 600 6505.

Further information is available from the MCA's Marine Information Centre, Tel: 023 8032 9297 or www. mcga. gov. uk