Information about the beginning of IMHA

International Maritime Health Association It was established during the Fourth International Symposium in Oslo The Fourth International Symposium on Maritime Health was held in Oslo, Norway on 21 - 25 June 1997. The Chairman of the Symposium was Dr M. Saeme, and it was organized by the Norwegian Association for Marittime Medicine and the Norwegian Maritime Directorate. It was attended by 150 participants from 35 countries, 72 papers were presented, out of which 57 were the oral presentations. During the Symposium, the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) was established, and immediately joined by 89 individual and 2 corporate members. Elections were held, and the Board of Directors of the IMHA was elected, for the period of 2 years, until the next General Meeting planned for 1999 during the 5th International Symposium to be held in the United Kingdom. The Board Members are: President Dr m. Saeme (Norway), V-President Dr R. Verbist (Belgium), Secretary Prof S. Tomaszunas (Poland), Board Members: Dr Luisa M. Canals (Spain), Doe. H. Saarni (Finland), Dr B-F. Schepers (Germany), Dr Ch. Urner (USA). The main goal of the Association is to foster scientific progress, increase the quality of the health of maritime workers (seafarers, fishermen, offshore oil industry installation workers, divers etc) worldwide and to create a forum where people, ideas, experiences, efforts, research and questions on maritime health can meet. The Association will serve as a resource for organizations, governments, shipowners and trade unions.To achieve this purpose, IMHA - will support improvements in the health care and medical monitoring of all employees in the maritime industry, - encourage research on maritime health, - promote the exchange of experiences and results of research projects, - assist with expertise in preparing reports and developing guidelines on international maritime health, - promote the development of quality international maritime medical services and systems, - assist in international coordination for maritime health activities, - encourage and facilitate training and education in maritime health, and - collaborate with international organizations (WHO, ILO, IMO), governments, shipowners and trade unions. There are several national maritime health associations in maritime countries as Germany, Spain, Poland and elsewhere in Europe; they have numerous members, conduct meetings and symposia, exchange experiences. But in Asia, Africa and South America, there are countries having large merchant marines and developed fishing industries, but with no developed national occupational health services for seafarers, fishermen and other maritime workers. Those countries may profit from collaborative training activities. This international collaboration will be one of the goals of the newly established Association. During the meeting in Oslo, more than 50% of participants joined immediately (on 25 June the new Association had already 89 individual and 2 corporate members, from 28 countries). For further information: Dr Saeme - IMHA President (International Maritime Health Association, P.O. Box 428, Sentrum, 0103 Oslo, Norway)