1. National and international seafarer fitness standards Tim Carter

2. Participation IMO – maritime states, with employers, TUs, professional bodies as observers ILO – national labour depts, employers and TUs, with professional bodies as observers. National – variable. UK consultation with employers and TUs. Different consensuses so different priorities. Some want harmonisation, some protect sectional interests. Employers add on their own systems.

3. International IMO STCW Manila amendments – include medical for the first time + QA ILO Maritime Labour Convention. Consolidates earlier conventions. Basis for most maritime medicine Revised ILO/IMO Guidelines on Seafarer Medical examinations. Details of good practice, draw heavily on UK experience (mine!)

4. Ratification Countries ratify conventions Must align national law with their provisions. All law on maritime health (except International Health Regs. of WHO) is national. Commitment to and competence in maritime health varies widely between countries, as do socio-political constraints

5. Participation IMO – maritime states, with employers, TUs, professional bodies as observers ILO – national labour depts, employers and TUs, with professional bodies as observers. National – variable. UK consultation with employers and TUs. Different consensuses so different priorities. Some want harmonisation, some protect sectional interests. Employers add on their own systems.

6. Maritime Health Seminar 2012 Knowledge into Practice