Crew Care Programmes

Controlling the Cost

North’s Crew Care Programmes

Any illness or injury claim on board is immediately made more serious by the vessel’s distance from port. As well as the increased risk to health for the seafarer; possible deviation, appropriate medical treatment, sick pay and potential claims may end up being very costly.

In order to provide better care for the seafarer, mitigate claims, reduce costs, and improve service to Members, North has developed a number of initiatives which are summarised below, along with contact details for further information and advice.

Pre-Employment Medicals

Although crew illness claims do arise, many may have been avoided if the seafarer had undergone a comprehensive pre-employment medical examination by a reliable specialist clinic.

In order to reduce incidents and ensure the good health of crew North has, for a number of years, been successfully running two enhanced pre-employment medical programmes, one in the Philippines and one in the Ukraine. Further details regarding the programmes can be found in North’s PEME briefings which also provide Members with advice on effective pre-employment medical screening and the selection of suitable clinics in their other crew supply areas worldwide.

For further details regarding our PEME programmes please contact: Lucy Dixon or Abbie Rudd at: PEME@nepia.com

Post Repatriation Medical Programme for Filipino Seafarers

The Post Repatriation Medical Programme (PRM) was introduced in February 2013. North is working with Ship to Shore Medical Assist and Shiphealth Inc., both of which are recommended Post Repatriation Medical facilities in Manila, in order to assist seafarers who have been repatriated to the Philippines as a result of injury or illness.

The aim is to provide efficient, high-quality treatment for filipino seafarers whilst at the same time avoiding excessive costs, in particular by avoiding unnecessary treatment for additional medical conditions for which members were not legally or contractually responsible.

For further details regarding our PRM programmes please contact: Lucy Dixon or Abbie Rudd at PRM@nepia.com

European Health Cover

A Guide to the European Healthcare Card

Members can reduce their costs for illness and injury claims in 32 countries, just by ensuring eligible crew carry their free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), or, for UK crew, their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

For more information on European Health Cover, please contact: Paul Delve at paul.delve@nepia.com

Mind Matters at Sea – Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing at Sea

The mental health and emotional wellbeing of seafarers is an important issue and North has a range of resources aimed at supporting Members and their crew:

My Mind Matters at Sea website

A resource directly for ship’s crew – providing information and resources for the emotional welfare of seafarers. The site looks at the common causes of mental health problems, how to keep well at sea and provides information on where to find additional help and resources.

Please visit: www.mymindmatters.club

Mind Call at Sea Helpline

Through ISWAN, North has funded a confidential and dedicated emotional support helpline for seafarers on North entered vessels. The Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. The Mind Call team speaks: Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog as well as English and crew can request a call back, use live chat or send an email instead.

Please visit: www.mindcall.org