Contenido:

GENERAL LIVING CONDITIONS

Hygiene deals with the norms directed at conserving, maintaining and improving health.

Life on board is characterised by unusual conditions, very different to that on land, with the potential for sudden changes in temperature (movement between different climatic zones) and even seasons (passing from the northern to the southern hemisphere, or vice versa), with the consequent alteration in the biological rhythm. The effect caused by continuous noise and vibration of the ship, the limited living space, the lack of physical activity (with the exception of fishing boats, where physical activity is notable), the exposure to biological risks are all conditions the sea worker is exposed to, which increase the risk of harming his health.

The sailor should enjoy acceptable living and environmental conditions and adequate supplies. Cooperation between all crewmembers is essential to maintain a healthy environment. At the same time, the captain or person delegated, should ensure good sanitary conditions on board by means of periodic inspections.

The living conditions on board are determined by the ship's design and construction, which, fortunately, is an aspect which is given more and more thought on newer vessels. Lately, these conditions have been influenced by the maintenance and type of activities to be carried out in each area of the ship.

Here, the more important aspects of risk prevention on board, in terms of health, are analysed.

ORDER AND CLEANLINESS

These are fundamental throughout the ship. Their absence is the frequent cause of accidents and illness. We should, therefore, be extremely clean when dealing with cutlery, cooking, sanitary installations, storerooms and living quarters.

Supplies organised in the storeroom.