Healthy-testing for pilots to improve safety

Guidelines for the medical testing of New South Wales marine pilots are to be changed and brought into line with the state’s rail workers after a review by NSW Maritime. Maritime’s general manager ports and shipping, Tony Middleton, said the review of the health standards was the first of its kind since 1971 and had been developed in conjunction with NSW’s port corporations and the Australian Maritime Officers Union. He said the changes would improve safety around the state’s ports. &#8220In May 2007, NSW Maritime engaged a specialist in occupational medicine to develop a new Standard for Health Assessment for NSW marine pilots,&#8221 he said. At present, the health standards for pilots are based on those for seagoing mariners. But Mr Middleton said there were key distinctions between pilots and general mariners. &#8220For example, general mariners need to maintain a level of fitness commensurate with life at sea where there is no ready access to full medical facilities,&#8221 he said. &#8220They are required to climb the sides of large vessels using rope ladders, often in rough conditions. &#8220Differences such as these have not previously been taken into account during medical assessments for marine pilots.&#8221 Under the new standard, the frequency of medical assessments would be considered according to an age-risk profile. &#8220This strategy will direct medical resources to where and when they are needed, and consequently result in improved health of NSW marine pilots,&#8221 he said. &#8220Medical assessments under the new standard are expected to begin after several months of information, training and implementation support.&#8221

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