Notice to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters,
Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations
The Merchant Shipping Directorate would like to draw the attention of all those concerned to the interpretation of rule 101 (1) (a) of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) Rules.
The said rule provides that:
“Without prejudice to any other law, any container of medical stores required by rule 98 to be kept on board a ship shall have in English on a label the particulars specified in sub-rule (3).”
The Directorate would consider on a case by case basis and upon request, equivalent arrangements on the use of other languages other than the English language provided that such language is understood by both the medical professional administering the medicine and the patient receiving it.
On ships having persons of multiple nationalities, it is always recommended that the use of the English language is retained to avoid confusion.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.