Onboard oxygen provision to double after life-threatening incidents
(Posted on 23/08/21)
Ship managers have pledged to go above and beyond international maritime regulatory requirements in their onboard provision of medical oxygen – to be better able to save the lives of crew at sea.
The move follows a life-threatening scenario when a seafarer suffering from Covid-19 almost died during a long ocean crossing due to a shortage of oxygen. InterManager members discussed the situation and agreed unanimously to double their onboard provision of oxygen from the standard one 40 litre cylinder to two. They also recommend stocking oxygen concentrators which can provide a continuous flow.
Announcing the new measure, InterManager President Mark O’Neil, who is also President of Columbia Shipmanagement, explained: “This distressing incident highlighted the short comings of the existing requirement for onboard oxygen, particularly when dealing with Covid-19 which can have very serious respiratory effects.
“Crossing the Pacific Ocean can take 12 days, and it’s seven to eight days to cross the Atlantic. One cylinder of oxygen would not last that long in a medical emergency, which would result in crew members having to ration a patient as they desperately tried to keep them alive until shore could be reached or a medivac arranged.”
He continued: “I’m very grateful to Anglo Eastern for highlighting this issue. It was a matter InterManager members took very seriously and responded to immediately with decisive action. We believe the regulations are not adequate and we need to do more to safeguard the lives of our crew.”
Working with the procurement platform GenPro, Columbia has secured a low price for InterManager members to obtain oxygen concentrators and cylinders on a bulk-buy no-profit deal. InterManager members are advised to contact the InterManager Secretary General or speak with GenPro directly for further details.
Latest News
ISS strengthens presence in South America
(Posted on 14/01/26)Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), a global leader in port agency and marine services, has announced... Read more
NORDEN sells two vessels and adds new leases with purchase options
(Posted on 14/01/26)NORDEN have confirm that they have sold two vessels from their owned fleet, one Capesize vessel and... Read more
Pacific Basin announces acquisition of four Handysize newbuildings
(Posted on 06/01/26)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has entered... Read more
AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Fleximar
(Posted on 23/12/25)AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has announced the successful delivery of Fleximar, the... Read more
Western Bulk re-enters ship ownership with selected partners
(Posted on 18/12/25)Western Bulk, together with reputable Norwegian partners A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, Premium Maritime... Read more
Pacific Basin announces formation of a Sustainable Energy Solutions team
(Posted on 18/12/25)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has announced... Read more
Columbia expects significant growth as more owners shift operations to the UAE
(Posted on 09/12/25)Columbia Group anticipates a period of strong expansion as an increasing number of international shipowners... Read more
Norse Ship Management emerges as digital leader among new-generation ship managers
(Posted on 09/12/25)Norse?Ship Management has expanded its use of Smart Ship Hub’s high frequency sensor data and... Read more
Maritime health experts welcome STCW amendments, but urge against checkbox compliance
(Posted on 09/12/25)As the maritime industry gears up to welcome the IMO’s STCW bullying and harassment training amendments... Read more
NORDEN acquires Southern African cargo activities of Taylor Maritime
(Posted on 02/12/25)NORDEN has acquired the cargo activities of Taylor Maritime in Southern Africa (previously operated... Read more
