The International Labour Organization and the health of seafarers and fishermen.

The ILO has sought to promote the health of workers since its founding in 1919. Concern for the special nature of life and work at sea has resulted in considerable work aimed at protecting and improving the health and safety of seafarers and fishermen. Much of the success of these efforts, however, rests with those involved in maritime medicine on a daily basis. It is therefore with great sincerity that the ILO applauds the founding of the IMHA and the initiation of training programmes aimed at improving the quality of maritime medicine and thus seafarers' health.