Panama issued a notice about the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen

The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a marine notice about the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen.

This notice informs all users of the Panamanian registry that the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen has been recently published.

The guide was drafted by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in collaboration with the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA).

The International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen is specifically designed for non-medical professionals working at sea.

It provides practical and up-to-date guidance for handling medical emergencies on board, covering all urgent injuries and ailments.

Alongside this, it includes a new first-aid kit guide with the latest globally available medicines and equipment.

The aim is to enhance the well-being of seafarers on board ships.

The Panama Maritime Authority recommends adding the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen to the list of approved publications on board Panamanian-flagged vessels.

This addition complements the latest edition of the ILO/IMO International Medical Guide on Board.

Furthermore, it aligns with article 163 of Executive Decree No. 086 of February 22, 2013, and its modification by Executive Decree No. 160 of March 3, 2021, which adheres to the Convention on the Maritime Work, 2006.

The guide is also compliant with the WHO and the IMO First Aid Guide for accidents related to dangerous goods.

This notice was published on 1 June 2023.


For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):


International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishermen