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Seafarer Health
Data-led guidance on the illnesses and injuries crews face at sea, from heat stroke and malaria to mental health and medical emergencies.
About this category
What medical equipment and guides must a ship carry?
Under MLC 2006 Standard A4.1(4)(a), every ship must carry a medicine chest, medical equipment and a medical guide, inspected at regular intervals and at least once every 12 months. Contents are set by the flag state using the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships. Vessels holding controlled substances also need a DEA-registered medical officer under 21 CFR 1301.25.
Sources: MLC 2006 Standard A4.1 and Guideline B4.1.1 (ILO), WHO International Medical Guide for Ships 3rd edition and its Quantification Addendum, 21 CFR 1301.25 (eCFR).
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21 CFR 1301.25 explained, for the people who have to comply with it
The whole rule, paragraph by paragraph: who it applies to, the three medical officer conditions, and both annual reports.
- August 5, 2026
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Reading about compliance is not the same as being compliant
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