Injury onboard — first steps + the claim path

Crew member injured at work. Care first, claim second — but both matter. Documentation in the first hours decides what's recoverable later.

Immediate action (do this first)

1. Stop work. Get the medical officer + the Master. (See also /emergency-help/medical-help.)
2. Photograph the injury + the hazard + the work area + the equipment involved.
3. Get statements from witnesses while their memory is fresh.
4. Demand a log-book entry signed by the Master describing the incident.
5. Request an Accident Report form from the Master / DPA — it's required under ISM.

Evidence to save

• Photos of the injury, the hazard, the work area, the equipment.
• Witness names + statements (signed, dated).
• Master's log-book entry (signed, dated).
• Risk-assessment + permit-to-work paperwork for the task.
• Accident Report form (ISM-required).
• Every medical record from the onboard medical officer + shore-side hospital.
• Every communication with the P&I club + the agent.

Escalation chain

1. Master + medical officer (immediate)
2. TMAS consultation if serious
3. Agent → shore-side hospital at next port
4. P&I club via the agent — Required for medical-care cost recovery + permanent-injury compensation.
5. Flag-state accident reporting (IMO MSC.1/Circ.1503) — Required for serious + very serious casualties.
6. ITF inspector + ISWAN — If the owner / P&I is being uncooperative.
7. Maritime lawyer (Jones Act if US-trade) — Typically contingency-fee. See /help/i-need-legal-help.

Do NOT

• Don't sign anything from the P&I club without reading carefully + ideally without independent legal advice.
• Don't agree to 'fitness for duty' declarations before the injury is properly assessed by a qualified doctor.
• Don't accept a settlement without understanding the time-bar on claims (Jones Act = 3 years; varies elsewhere).

Last verified 4 months ago