Gard has launched a new app to improve on-board medical care for crew following a concerning increase in medical-related claims over recent years.
The Norwegian marine insurer said there has been a 75% rise in claims related to crew illness or death between 2018 to 2021.
In 2020 — the year the Covid-19 pandemic broke out forcing seafarers to work on ships well beyond their contracted period — mental health claims increased by 34%. Gard’s figures show that suicides also increased in that period.
“These are highly worrying numbers, and a stark reminder that we need to do more to ensure the safety and welfare of our seafarers,” said Gard chief executive Rolf Thore Roppestad.
Gard has introduced the Mariners Medico Guide app to provide a step-by-step guide for the on-board treatment crew at sea where professional medical care is not available.
It is free and fully digital so can be upgraded at any time. The app also covers both physical and mental health problems.
It has been jointly developed by Gard and the Norwegian Centre for Maritime and Diving Medicine. The guidance has been written by doctors who are specialised in maritime medicine for seafarers with limited medical experience and reduced access to medicine.
“We have used our knowledge about crew claims to promote this tool for better medical treatment on board,” said Gard’s chief claims officer Christen Guddal.
“I really hope it will be used to the benefit of many thousands of seafarers exposed to the risk of illness and injury,” he added.
