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Injury at sea

Any injury sustained in the course of duty — from a simple slip to a major incident — is the shipowner's financial responsibility under MLC 2006 Regulation 4.2. The Master must enter it in the Official Log Book and notify the owner; the owner's P&I club then handles medical costs, lost wages, and (where the injury results in lasting disability) compensation. Document everything from the moment it happens.

Step-by-step

  1. Immediate: report the injury to the duty officer; request medical attention and TMAS (telemedical) consultation if needed.
  2. Insist on an Official Log Book entry with: time, place, mechanism, witnesses, immediate medical action. Demand a copy.
  3. Photograph injuries, the scene, defective equipment, and any safety signage. Keep copies on personal media that leaves the vessel with you.
  4. Identify witnesses and ask them to give written statements while events are fresh.
  5. On disembarkation: get all medical records (consultations, scans, prescriptions, fitness-to-work assessments) into your possession before signing off.
  6. Submit a claim through the shipowner's P&I club (the Master or DPA can identify the club). Most claims are settled administratively; for disputed claims, contact a maritime injury solicitor or your union.

Evidence to save

What NOT to sign

Legal basis

MLC 2006 Regulation 4.2 (shipowners' liability for sickness, injury, or death of seafarers), Standard A4.2.1 (financial security). ILO C55 (sickness, injury, and death) where ratified. P&I cover under the International Group Pooling Agreement.

Primary sources

Related terms

Organisations that can help

Disclaimer. General information only — not medical or legal advice. Injury cases turn on flag-state law, applicable CBA, and the specific facts. Contact your union, ITF, or a maritime injury lawyer.