Urgent Medical Care at Sea

Urgent medical care at sea relies on the Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service network, the shore-based medical advice centers that radio doctors give to ships without a physician on board. SOLAS and the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 require access to free medical advice by radio, and the International Medical Guide for Ships gives the master and the medical officer the treatment protocols. TMAS centers, often hospital-based, coordinate diversion, evacuation, and ongoing advice.