1 The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), at its
seventy-seventh session (28 May to 6 June 2003), recalled that MSC
75 had approved MSC/Circ.1042 on the
List of contents of the Emergency Medical Kit/Bag and medical considerations
for its use on ro-ro passenger ships not normally carrying a medical
doctor.
2 Having considered the recommendation of the
Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR),
at its seventh session (13 to 17 January 2003), MSC 77 decided that
the Guidance developed needed further examination and should be issued
immediately after COMSAR 8.
3 The COMSAR Sub-Committee, at its eighth session
(16 to 20 February 2004), re-considered and finalized the Guidance
on responsibility and liability issues related to the use of the emergency
medical kit/bag and evaluation of its use in emergency incidents,
as set out in the annex.
4 Member Governments are invited to bring the
annexed Guidance to the attention of SAR service providers, National
Maritime Authorities, shipowners, ship operators, ship masters, medical
authorities, medical services and others concerned.
5 Member Governments are also invited to report
on their experience gained in the use of the Emergency Medical Kit/Bag
(EMK) to the Organization.