IN MEMORIAM IVICA KUZMANIĆ

IN MEMORIAM IVICA KUZMANIĆ, M.Sc., Tenured College Professor (1953 – 2023

PRACTICE OF AND ATTITUDES TOWARD FAMILIARISATION ON BOARD: SURVEY OF CROATIAN AND MONTENEGRIN MARITIME OFFICERS

Familiarisation is an important factor of safety on technologically advanced ships. International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) states that the Company should establish procedures to ensure the familiarisation process, but the exact way in which familiarisation should be carried out and the duration of the process are not determined. Familiarisation is often regarded as formality although it should not be the case at all. Non-compliance with the required familiarisation procedures and flaws in the safety system often result in human error. The latter is a major cause of numerous sea accidents. The research published has revealed that shipping companies and seafarers often fail to follow the prescribed procedures and perform familiarisation inadequately. This research is based on a survey of Croatian and Montenegrin deck and engine officers. The survey results indicate weaknesses in the familiarisation and handover processes on board ships. Therefore, suggestions are made for enhancing the existing procedures, aiming at a more efficient familiarisation and handover, particularly aboard technologically advanced ships

HIV infection among sefarers in Croatia

The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of the HIV problem among seafarers in Croatia. The study is based on data from the AIDS/HIV Registry of the Croatian National Institute of Public Health and data on the number of seafarers in Croatia, from the Croatian Seafarers’ Union. All case records of HIV infection among seafarers and the type of their sexual contacts have been analysed retrospectively. During the period between 1985 and the end of October 2009, a total of 784 persons with diagnosed HIV infection were registered, of which 74 were seafarers (9.4%). Only 0.25% of Croatian seafarers are HIV infected. Considering the fact that seafarers are a “bridge” for HIV infection to the population, this article describes the epidemiological characteristics of HIV infection among Croatian seafarers and suggests measures in combating HIV infection in their population. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 209-214