Modernization of long-distance vessels, a decrease in the number of crews of ships, an increase in psycho-emotional stress, insufficient monitoring of compliance with safety and industrial hygiene requirements in the context of the transformation of the socio-economic way of life and the commercialization of the merchant marine fleet contribute to a decrease in the safety of navigation and an increase in the risk of consequences of adverse shifts in the health of seafarers long voyage.
Studies have established that the specific conditions of long-term sailing contribute to the emergence and development of a wide range of neuropsychic and psychosomatic disorders, which is directly related to the causes of accidents at sea, the transition of highly qualified specialists to coastal work and the occurrence of severe chronic diseases in sailors. The variety and complexity of working conditions on long-distance vessels dictates the need to develop preventive and rehabilitative measures, taking into account the specifics of various types of work in the sea fleet. But until now, the scientific principles of preventive measures have not been formulated, requiring a systematic approach to protecting the health of the ship's personnel with the setting of specific and specific tasks in each period of production activity: on the shore and at sea.