OneCare Group’s Marine Medical Solutions issued a call for stronger safeguarding measures to protect the health of seafarers.
The proposed measures include the introduction of mandatory declarations for crew members living with HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C.
Company founder and chief executive Dr Jens Tülsner declared: “Seafarers living with HIV or Hepatitis should never face discrimination. These conditions can be managed, and they should have the same opportunities as their colleagues. But at the same time, the nature of life at sea means that accidents happen, and blood-borne transmission poses a real risk. The industry must find a balance between protecting privacy and ensuring safety.”
Bridging a critical gap
Currently, seafarers are not required to declare these conditions before boarding a vessel; while this is intended to avoid stigma and discrimination, Marine Medical Solutions believes it leaves a gap in safeguarding at sea.
As a result, the company proposes that seafarers with such conditions should be required to sign a confidential declaration acknowledging their responsibility to protect others.
This would involve committing to manage their health responsibly onboard and, where appropriate, to inform designated personnel if they believe disclosure is necessary for the safety of the crew.
Company executives believe that introducing such measures would strengthen trust, remove stigma, and provide a clear framework for safeguarding in the maritime workplace.
As Tülsner explains: “This is not about exclusion, but about responsibility. A simple safeguarding contract would protect everyone: it would reassure colleagues, support those living with HIV or Hepatitis, and reduce the risk of misunderstanding or unsafe practices onboard.”
