The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has confirmed that the Republic of Cyprus has officially recommended the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers for use on vessels under its flag.
The Deputy Shipping Ministry of Cyprus issued a circular advising all Cyprus-flagged vessels to carry the guide and encouraging approved training establishments to integrate it into STCW medical courses.
The move aligns Cyprus with other leading flag states, including the Panama Maritime Authority, Republic of the Marshall Islands Registry, and The Bahamas Maritime Authority, in recognising the guide’s role in protecting the health and safety of seafarers and fishers.
This endorsement comes ahead of amendments to the International Labour Organization Maritime Labour Convention (ILO MLC), agreed in May 2025, which will formally reference the ICS guide when the changes take effect in December 2027.
The inclusion of the guide in MLC standards underscores its position as a global reference for maritime medical care.
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Thomas A. Kazakos, Secretary General, ICS, said: “We are delighted that Cyprus recognises the vital importance of our International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers. This endorsement from one of the world’s leading maritime nations demonstrates the growing recognition of the guide’s role in safeguarding the health and wellbeing of those who work at sea.”
Designed specifically for the maritime environment, the guide provides practical advice for managing medical situations on board ships and fishing vessels, where access to professional healthcare may be limited or delayed.
With Cyprus managing one of the largest merchant fleets globally, the recommendation is expected to boost adoption of the guide across European shipping operations and reinforce standardised medical preparedness within the sector.
Ship operators and maritime companies are encouraged to incorporate the ICS guide into their mandatory carriage requirements to enhance crew welfare and demonstrate commitment to health and safety.
For more information:
International Chamber of Shipping – https://www.ics-shipping.org/
