Port-to-Ship Medical Service: How Does the Process Work?

When a crew member experiences a health issue on a vessel waiting at sea or in port, the fastest and most effective solution is professional health coordination. At Marine Med Assistance, we provide this coordination 24/7. The process works as follows: The ship agent or captain calls our emergency health line and reports the situation. Our operations center contacts the nearest partnered healthcare facility at the port and initiates appointment and transfer organization. We have partnered healthcare facilities and hospitals at all major Turkish ports — Haydarpasa, Ambarli, Gemlik, Aliaga, Izmir, Mersin, Iskenderun, Trabzon, and Samsun. Ambulance or vehicle organization for crew transfer from port to hospital is also coordinated by us. At the healthcare facility, the doctor examines the patient, administers necessary treatment, and decides on hospitalization or follow-up as needed. Throughout the process, the ship agent and P&I club are kept informed and cost approval is obtained. The most critical advantage for ship agents is that the vessel's port schedule is not disrupted. Once treatment is completed, the crew member is returned to the vessel. If hospitalization is required, accommodation and follow-up processes are also managed by us. All services we coordinate are provided in compliance with MLC 2006 (Maritime Labour Convention) standards.