Textbook of Maritime Medicine

Due to the evolution towards shorter stay of the ship in port the location of the clinic or reception of the seafarers in or nearby the port area is important. At least it should be within easy reach of transport coming from the port area. To a certain extent it may need some visibility in the port area. A port clinic should have physicians available who are prepared and at all times ready to go on board the ship for a treatment or advice. This may happen alongside or at anchor or even while the ship is on its way to or from the port. With respect to referrals the port clinic has to be close to an emergency medical care unit and other specialized medical services, it has to be avoided that the seafarer would have to take long trips to and from these services in order not to loose valuable time. A pharmacy nearby that knows about seafaring and is instructed on how to deal with maritime patients is almost a necessity to permit a fast and smooth treatment of the patient.