What Medicines Can a Seafarer Bring on Board?

When preparing for a sailing, it’s smart for seafarers to carry a small personal medical kit. However, there are some important rules and recommendations to follow.

 

🔸 Common Over-the-Counter Medications (Allowed in Small Quantities):

 

These are typically allowed for personal use:

 

Pain relievers – Paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen.

 

Cold and flu meds – Decongestants, cough syrups (non-narcotic).

 

Motion sickness tablets – Such as dimenhydrinate or meclizine.

 

Allergy meds – Antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine.

 

Antacids – For heartburn or indigestion (e.g., omeprazole, ranitidine).

 

Antidiarrheals – Like loperamide (Imodium).

 

Topical creams – Antifungal, antibacterial, or anti-itch (hydrocortisone).

 

Multivitamins – Especially important during long trips.

 

Pay attention to hygiene products. Ships usually provide the cheapest soap, and the quality of fresh water can also be questionable. Your skin might react – it could start peeling or itching.

 

🔸 Prescription Medications (Special Rules Apply):

 

You can bring your personal prescription medicines, but you must follow these guidelines:

 

Bring the original prescription from your doctor, with:

 

Your full name.

 

The medication name.

 

Dosage and instructions.

 

The doctor's signature and contact info.

 

Keep medicines in original packaging with pharmacy labels.

 

Bring only the amount needed for the duration of the contract, plus a small buffer.

 

Declare the medication if required by the company or local customs authorities.

 

If the medicine is controlled or narcotic (e.g., opioids, some sleeping pills, ADHD medication), you may need special documentation or clearance from port health authorities. Check with your company beforehand.

 

If Drug or Alcohol Control unexpectedly boards the vessel and you've been taking any medications, make sure to show them. This will count in your favor if the test shows traces of a controlled substance.

 

🔸 Approval Procedure for Carrying Medicines on Board:

 

Different shipping companies have slightly different procedures, but in general:

 

Inform your crewing agency or medical officer in advance about any prescription meds you’ll bring.

 

Provide a copy of your prescription and medical history during pre-joining medical examination.

 

The ship’s Master or Chief Officer may log your medication upon embarkation.

 

Some ships require crew members to store certain medications with the ship's medical officer or captain, especially controlled substances.

 

🔸 What to Avoid Bringing:

 

Large quantities of any medication (even over-the-counter).

 

Unlabeled pills or medicines in unmarked containers.

 

Illegal substances or anything not approved in the port country.

 

Supplements with banned ingredients (e.g., some bodybuilding or herbal products).

 

🔸 Final Tips:

 

Always check with your company’s medical department before the voyage.

 

Carry medications in your hand luggage, not in checked bags (in case of inspection).

 

Make a personal medicine checklist so you don’t forget anything.

 

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