Merchant Shipping (Health Protection and Medical Care for Seafarers) Regulation 2010

Regulations ensure that seafarers receive health protection, medical care, and social welfare on board vessels. They target ship owners, operators, seafarers, and maritime authorities by mandating minimum medical supplies and qualified personnel. This protects seafarer health during voyages.

What Is This Policy?

Regulations ensuring that seafarers have access to health protection, medical care, and social welfare while serving on board vessels.

Who Does It Target?

Ship owners and operators Seafarers and maritime professionals Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Port authorities

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Protect seafarer health through access to medical care, protective equipment, and health services.

Key Features

Medical Supplies: Minimum medical equipment and medicines to be carried on board Medical Officer: Requirements for qualified medical personnel on vessels of specified size Shore Medical Care: Right to medical treatment at ports of call Occupational Health: Protective measures against workplace hazards on board

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian-flagged vessels and vessels in Nigerian waters Lead Agency: NIMASA

How to Access

Ship owners and operators must comply. Maintain prescribed medical supplies on board Ensure access to medical care for all seafarers

Official Resources

Website: nimasa.gov.ng Contact: NIMASA, Lagos

Legal Framework

The Merchant Shipping (Health Protection for Seafarers) Regulation 2010 is issued under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 by NIMASA. It domesticates the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) requirements on seafarer health and medical care. International alignment is with the ILO/IMO's Guidelines on the Medical Examination of Seafarers, the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) on ships in international traffic, and WHO standards on healthcare in maritime environments.