P&I club heat warning

The North of England P&I club has warned shipowners of the increasing risk of officers and crews suffering potentially fatal heat illness as global temperatures rise and ships work harder.

In the latest issue of its loss-prevention newsletter ‘Signals’, the club reports there have been a number of recent cases in which crew members suffering from heat stroke have become seriously ill and, in some tragic incidences, died. North of England’s risk-management manager Tony Baker says, ‘Seafarers are generally aware that heat exhaustion can occur on board ships due to the extreme temperatures they increasingly work in. However, the onset is usually recognised and resolved quickly, with no permanent effects. Heat stroke, on the other hand, is far more critical.’

The club points out that, unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke can occur suddenly and cause unconsciousness within minutes. It is due to failure of the ‘thermostat’ in the brain as the body becomes dangerously overheated due to prolonged exposure to heat or high fever.

Baker says particular care must be taken when working in temperatures above the normal 37 degrees C body temperature as heat can no longer be lost through radiation. ‘In very hot temperatures, especially in engine rooms and other confined spaces, seafarers should not only drink plenty of water but also ensure their protective clothing allows free circulation of air and thus maximum evaporation of sweat.’