Ship Doctor
せんい
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, and Pharmacists
- Minor : Physicians
Summary
A medical specialist who manages the health, diagnoses, and treats crew members and passengers on ships. Responsible for providing medical care in the limited maritime environment.
Description
Ship doctors manage the health of crew members and passengers on merchant ships, cruise ships, and other vessels, handling diagnoses, treatments, and life-saving measures in emergencies. Using limited medical equipment and resources, they manage infectious diseases, trauma, chronic conditions, conduct health checkups, create medical records, and coordinate medical evacuations or telemedicine with onshore facilities as needed. They also handle sanitation management under maritime laws and international regulations, and contribute to mental health care and onboard environmental improvements during long voyages.
Future Outlook
With the expansion of maritime transport and the cruise industry, demand for ship doctors is expected to be maintained or increase. Advances in telemedicine will enable safer and more efficient medical care.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / Excellent communication skills / Flexible thinking / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Cruise Ship Duty / Long-term Voyage Duty / On-call / Shift Work
Career Path
Resident Doctor → General Hospital Physician → Ship Doctor → Chief Medical Officer → Maritime Medical Consultant
Required Skills
Basic Medical Knowledge / Clinical Diagnostic and Treatment Skills / Emergency Medical Techniques / Shipboard Medical Equipment Operation / Surgical Skills
Recommended Skills
Foreign Language Skills / Infection Control / Maritime Medicine Knowledge / Telemedicine
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because responses adapted to weather changes and voyage conditions are required. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because high accuracy is required in preparing medications and during surgeries. |
| Communication Skills | To communicate smoothly with diverse crew members. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Because medical treatment must be performed with limited equipment. |
| Planning & Organization | Because it is necessary to plan and manage medical supplies and duty shifts. |
| Problem Solving | Because quick judgment and response are needed in emergencies or when equipment is insufficient. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because long hours of work and emergency responses occur in harsh environments. |
Related Qualifications
- Passed National Physician Exam
- Physician License
Aliases
- Ship Doctor
- Shipboard Physician
Related Jobs
- Emergency Physician
- Internist
- Occupational Physician