A shipsdoctor's experience
It is difficult to imagine how big the oceans are. Most of the time during this trip we are completely surrounded by water with no land in sight. In one way you are a just a small ship in this huge ocean, on the other hand our world is limited to the horizon, just about 15 nautical miles around us. Being disconnected from the internet boosts this feeling that it is just us out here in our small world.
But when the world is just our ship it also means that you will have to manage every situation, in particular when it comes to medical emergencies. During most of our voyage we are not close enough to any land to receive medical support; it would easily take a week to reach a nearby port. It would also be too far for any helicopter to reach us. This implies that in an acute medical emergency, the possibilities for receiving care will not be similar to those on land where there are fully equipped hospitals. This is something you have to realize and to accept when you board a ship exploring remote destinations.
On board of the ship we do have medical equipment and quite a variety of medication to be able to take care of most medical situations. In case of a medical urgency there is also always the option to consult the Dutch coastguard for advice no matter where you are on the world. Besides that, it is important to take safety very seriously to reduce the risk of any incident.
There is always a medical doctor on board of the Europa during each voyage. It is a great experience to be able to call the ship my office. Practicing medicine on board is different in many ways compared to my regular work as a general practitioner in Paris. For example, normally I don’t have breakfast and dinner with all my patients every day. Consultations are not scheduled as they normally would be and you will be called whenever there is any medical situation. Also, stitching a wound on a rolling ship is a different experience.
Luckily, most of the time my medical expertise is not required. This does not mean that there is nothing to do. Every day there is a lot going on. For example, help is always welcome when it comes to sail handling, doing the dishes or maintenance work. On top of that, in Antarctica and South Georgia most days are filled with the excursions on land. While sailing there are also many lectures, covering topics ranging from the flora and fauna and climate systems, to lectures on various topics prepared by the voyage crew. All of this in a regular rhythm with set times for breakfast, dinner and not to forget the very precious coffee times at 10 and 16h. Life on board leaves also plenty of time to exercise, read a book or to just watch the horizon.
At the moment we are getting closer to our final destination, Walvisbay in Namibia. This means closer to land and being connected again with the world: catching up on the news, preparing to go back to the office and filling up the agenda with activities. Luckily, we are not there yet and we can still enjoy the rhythm of the ship as long as it lasts, watch the sails and enjoy the view of a pod of whales passing by.