United States Coast Guard



TASK TITLE: MARINER MEDICAL EDUCATON AND PREVENTION – Over-the-counter MedicationsPROBLEM STATEMENT: The Coast Guard seeks the input of industry, via MEDMAC, towards the development of guidance to mariners on over-the-counter (OTC) medications, energy drinks/pills, diet aids, and dietary supplements. BACKGROUND: During the 8th meeting of MEDMAC, the Committee provided recommendations to the Coast Guard on educational materials and content applicable to mariner health concerns and specific to mariner’s unique work environment. Subsequently, the Committee recommended to the Coast Guard, the development of a future, separate task addressing non-prescription medications. At this time, the Coast Guard is looking to develop specific guidance for mariners on OTC medications, energy drinks/pills, diet aids, and dietary supplements. DESCRIPTION OF TASKS/DELIVERABLES: Develop specific guidance for the following: OTC medications. Energy drinks/pills. Diet aids.Dietary supplements. Recognizing that Public Safety and general health issues are part of the continuum;The Working Group determined that education and development of awareness can be addressed using the following points of opportunity;Upon entry into a maritime career (Union training programs, Maritime Academy entrance)During the conduct of any physical examination for a Credential Reporting all medications candidly—prescription, OTC, dietary supplements, diet aids, energy drinks, etc.Discussion with examiner regarding possible interactions and side effects as well as underlying conditionsImportance of compliance with all prescribed and recommended medications or supplements When issuing a Credential (e.g. State DL issuances frequently contain health information)Pre-employment physicals, familiarization training, vessel indoctrinationPeriodic on-board events (Safety Meetings, etc.)Officer training, cascaded to the crew through familiarization processEmployee Assistance Programs (Employer, maritime Unions, etc.)New hire orientationPeriodic Experience reports generated by incidents (Lessons learned)Subsequent periodic medical surveillanceDeliverable for the task as stated;The Working Group recommends that the USCG develop educational resources (pamphlet, on-line tools, apps, CD, etc.), to be disseminated throughout the industry based on existent best practices and medical information. The following examples should be looked at for a template;FTA “OTC Toolkit”FMCSA “Guidance for Commercial Drivers”FAA medication guidanceAAFP NIH “nccih.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health ................
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