This page answers common questions about the Journal of Maritime Medicine website, including how to use
the content, how to contribute, and what to expect from medico-legal consulting enquiries.
If your question is not answered here, you can contact us via the Contact page.
1. About the website
1.1 What is the Journal of Maritime Medicine?
The Journal of Maritime Medicine is an independent, journal-style online project focused on healthcare at sea,
expedition medicine and remote maritime environments. It combines clinical discussion, operational thinking and
medico-legal awareness, with particular attention to remote and polar itineraries.
1.2 Who is this site for?
The primary audience is ship and expedition doctors, remote clinicians, cruise and expedition operators, insurers
and P&I clubs, and lawyers working with maritime medical cases. Interested healthcare professionals and
students with an interest in maritime and expedition medicine may also find the content useful.
1.3 Is this a traditional peer-reviewed journal?
At this stage, the Journal of Maritime Medicine is not a conventional, subscription academic journal. It is a
practice-focused, peer-informed platform. Articles may undergo editorial review, and external input may be sought
where appropriate, but formal blinded peer review and indexing are not currently offered.
2. Medical information & emergencies
2.1 Is the content on this site medical advice?
No. All clinical content on this site is for general information, education and discussion only. It does not
constitute personal medical advice or a treatment plan for any individual patient. Local guidelines, flag state
regulations and the judgement of the treating clinician always take precedence.
2.2 What should I do in a medical emergency at sea?
In any emergency scenario, you should follow your ship or company’s medical procedures, involve the ship’s
medical team where available, contact local emergency services or telemedical support, and consider diversion or
evacuation according to established protocols. This website is not an emergency telemedicine service.
2.3 Does reading this site create a doctor–patient relationship?
No. Viewing or using this website, or sending an initial enquiry, does not create a doctor–patient relationship.
Any consulting work is undertaken under separate written terms and is usually directed through operators,
insurers or legal representatives.
3. Journal articles, blog posts & submissions
3.1 What is the difference between journal articles and blog posts?
Journal-style articles are more structured pieces that focus on specific clinical or medico-legal topics and are
usually written in a formal tone. Blog posts are shorter, more informal reflections, updates and commentaries.
Both are intended to be practical and rooted in real-world experience.
3.2 Can I submit a case report or article?
In principle, yes. The Journal of Maritime Medicine welcomes case-based discussion and concise practical articles,
provided they are de-identified and appropriate permissions and confidentiality safeguards are in place. At this
stage, proposals are usually discussed by email rather than through a formal online submission system.
3.3 How can I propose a topic or submit a draft?
You can use the Contact page to outline your idea, including your role (e.g. ship doctor,
nurse, operator) and the type of piece you have in mind. Where appropriate, you may then be invited to submit a
de-identified draft for editorial review.
3.4 How should I reference or cite material from the site?
You may cite articles and posts in the usual way for online resources, including author (if given), title,
“Journal of Maritime Medicine”, URL and date of access. Formal citation styles will be suggested once a more
structured archive is in place.
4. Clinical resources & templates
4.1 Can I use the checklists and templates in my own practice?
The checklists and templates are offered as examples and possible starting points. You are responsible for
adapting them to your local regulatory environment, company policies, equipment and staffing. The site’s
materials carry no warranty and are used at your own risk.
4.2 Are the resources endorsed by any regulator or flag state?
No. Unless explicitly stated, materials on this site are not official guidance of any flag state, regulator,
cruise line, insurer or professional college. They represent the editor’s and contributors’ views and experience,
and are intended to complement, not replace, official requirements.
<