International best practices are introduced at ASCO to protect sailors health
The Closed Joint Stock Company “Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping” (ASCO) attaches a particular attention to the health of sailors, ASCO says in a press release.
Sailor go through a medical examinations at ASCO “Seafarers’ Policlinic” LLC in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention of the International Maritime Organization (ICAO) on Standards of Training Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978. “Sailors’ Policlinic” LLC takes regular measures in this regard.
ASCO’s Quality, Health and Occupational Safety and Environmental Protection Department and Social Development and Transport Sector take necessary actions to fulfill the requirements of the international contracts and acts associated with maritime affairs.
Pursuant to the terms of the Convention, medical examinations at the “Sailors’ Policlinic” LLC is not conduct every year as previously but every two years. Knowledge of doctors is developed on a regular basis, and they are involved into regular trainings. Further, medical personnel of the policlinic are subjected to internal tests. Doctors who successfully passed the test and collected high results are admitted to become the member of the Medical Examination Commission. In addition, doctors of the Polyclinic also take part in certification exams conducted by the Ministry of Health.
The material and technical basis of the “Sailors’ Policlinic” LLC was also strengthened to ensure that it operates in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention. Additional equipment and devices were purchased and the polyclinic was equipped with the state- of-the- art computer systems. At the same time, doctors were introduced to the principles of operation of the equipment.
In addition, registration of those who passed the medical examination will be maintained by early treatment centers. Besides, data on sailors who went through medical examination will be archived electronically. Currently, necessary works are underway to commission the system.
For information, we note that “Sailors’ Policlinic” LLC was established as a multi- profile treatment and prophylactic center to provide highly qualified diagnostic, outpatient-policlinic and in-patient services to all ASCO employees and their family members, as well as to other people.
