- Over 35,000 downloads since its launch in October 2022.
- A critical tool for emergency medical situations at sea.
- Backed by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and trusted by seafarers worldwide.
Since its release in October 2022, the Mariners Medico Guide (MMG) has become an essential mobile app for seafarers, downloaded over 35,000 times to date. Developed as a digital solution to improve medical response and safety at sea, the MMG has proven its value in real-life emergencies.
Capt. Gaurav Kapoor, General Manager at Pacific Carriers Limited (PCL), commended the app for its reliability during urgent medical situations. He highlighted two instances where the MMG enabled accurate communication of symptoms to medical officers, resulting in successful treatment of a burn injury and a skin allergy.
“The app’s standout feature is its user-friendly interface,” Capt. Kapoor explained. “It provides immediate steps for managing medical emergencies, which is critical in those moments.”
Well-Received Across Fleets
PCL introduced the app across its fleet in 2023, and it has since been widely embraced by shipmasters and crew. However, Capt. Kapoor emphasizes the need to consistently remind seafarers of the app’s presence and utility.
He praised the app’s updated and easy-to-navigate medical information, stating:
“Once the app includes the common symptoms, causes, and treatments faced by seafarers, the key is how well users can extract actionable insights from it.”
The search functionality stands out, enabling crew members to diagnose conditions based on symptoms or initiate treatment post-diagnosis.
When asked if he would recommend the MMG to others in the maritime industry, PCL’s HSSEQ General Manager responded affirmatively, calling it a “one-stop solution” that supports both the patient and the first aid provider, offering a valuable second opinion alongside the traditional ship master’s guide.
Backed by Trusted Institutions
The MMG is the result of a collaborative effort between Gard, Haukeland University Hospital, and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. Its content is written, developed, and regularly updated by doctors from Norway’s Radio Medico, the telemedicine emergency service at sea.
Dr. Jon Magnus Haga, Head of the Norwegian Centre for Maritime Medicine and Diving Medicine and on-call doctor at Radio Medico, observed that the guide encourages faster response times.
“When seafarers spot a ‘red flag’ symptom, the MMG helps them act quickly and seek help without delay,” he said.
Improving Communication and Care
Haga also pointed out the MMG’s role in streamlining communication between crew and medical responders.
“The guide allows us to reference the same visuals and instructions, making it easier to explain treatments or dosages. This improves care quality and enhances safety on board.”
International Recognition and Accessibility
Approved by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and supported by multiple flag states, the MMG is a key step toward digitalizing maritime healthcare. The app functions both online and offline, ensuring uninterrupted use anywhere at sea, and is entirely free for the maritime industry.
With its visual aids, symptom-based structure, and emergency-first approach, the MMG works alongside telemedicine services like Radio Medico to ensure the best healthcare outcomes and communication possible on board.
“We’re proud of our collaboration with Gard in enhancing seafarer health and safety globally,” Dr. Haga concluded.
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Source: gard.no
