Climatic and geographical conditions that effect on the health of sailors during marine voyage

Abstract

The prolonged availability of seafarers on board of water vehicle during voyages forms the features of professional labor activity. When assessing the medical and sanitary situation of life and vital activity of the crew on board a ship, it is necessary to take into account a set of conditions that are integrated into a single notion — «ship environment ». The ship’s environment affects the personnel’s body for the entire period while people are on the voyage. It can cause changes in the state of health. The article presents a review of the literature devoted to the study of the influence of climatic and geographical factors accompanying maritime labor. Natural factors occupy a significant share among the large effects of the ship’s environment that affect the health of seafarers and, accordingly, their ability to work. Among them, the greatest contribution is made by temperature, physico-chemical properties of air, photoperiodic fluctuations. The homeostatic systems of the seafarers ‘ body are very closely dependent on the natural situation of the seas. These conditions impose high requirements and can cause the development of premorbid and pathological conditions. To ensure the protection of the health and working capacity of the crew, it is necessary to study the influence of external factors. The main directions for ensuring the safety and strengthening of the health of seafarers are: forecasting and prevention of health disorders, prenosological diagnostics and timely medical support, rehabilitation measures in the post-voyage period.