The Ships Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea is published primarily for the information and guidance of the Master and other licensed and certified crew members who may be directly or indirectly responsible for the administration of medical treatment at sea on vessels which do not carry a physician. This book attempts to describe in nontechnical language, the diseases and medical emergencies most commonly encountered while at sea and the "first aid" and "follow-up" care required until the patient can be evaluated and treated by a physician. It must be emphasized that the care and treatment of a patient at sea is much different than while ashore. The medications and treatments suggested in this book are based on the fact that a physician is not physically available and that such treatment must be carried out by intelligent seamen and ships officers who have received training in the delivery of health care.It is used on fishing vessels, by outdoorsmen, explorers, and backwoodsmen as a guide when professional medical care is not available.

The need for medical care has been a constant since the day the first merchant ship sailed centuries ago. Concern for the health of merchant mariners has, from the beginning, been a part of our nation's history. In the 1700's, legislation mandated that a Medicine Chest be carried on each American Flag vessel of more than 150 tons, provided it had a crew of ten or more. By 1798, a loose network of marine hospitals, mainly in port cities, was established by Congress to care for sick and disabled American merchant seamen. Called the Marine Hospital Service, later the Public Health and Marine Hospital Service, and finally the Public Health Service, these federal entities continued to provide healthcare to merchant seamen until 1981. The Ship's Medicine Chest and Medical Aid at Sea has been a part of much of this maritime history. This edition has evolved through many previous editions. The Public Health Service published the first Medicine Chest in 1881 under the title, Handbook for the Ship's Medicine Chest.

This publication shows designated first-aid providers how to diagnose, treat, and prevent the health problems of seafarers on board ship. This edition contains fully updated recommendations aimed to promote and protect the health of seafarers, and is consistent with the latest revisions of both the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines and the International Health Regulations.--Publisher's description.