Use of prescription medicines/drugs
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 March 2004
- Generated on 25 June 2026
- IMCA SF 02/04
- 1 minute read
A Member has forwarded its recently-issued safety reminder concerning the use of prescription medicines.
Sometimes, employees who are under treatment of a qualified doctor may be prescribed to take medicine(s) that may impair work performance or weaken reflexes, especially in the event of an emergency.
- While under medical treatment, it is the responsibility of all such employees to make the vessel master or diving supervisor aware of such a situation/condition.
- It is also the responsibility of the master/supervisor to enquire of new/transferred employees during familiarisation whether they are under medical treatment/taking prescription drugs. The purpose of identifying such personnel is for the master/supervisor to be aware of their limitations in work performance and in the event of any emergency, thus preventing a potential accident.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.