Code No: 739
Video Running Time: 19 minutes
In many parts of the world moderate alcohol consumption is
considered acceptable but there is no place for alcohol consumption
while working on board ship. All seafarers whatever their rank (or
type of ship on which they serve) have a vital part to play in the
ship's organisation and in an emergency response situation.
This updated training package looks at the potential harmful
effects of alcohol and stresses the need for seafarers to drink
moderately at all times.
The topic of blood alcohol concentration is introduced, the
alcohol concentration of different drinks is discussed, and
information is provided to enable the audience to calculate the
precise amount of alcohol they are consuming. The body's
metabolism of alcohol is then described - the only way that the
blood alcohol concentration is reduced is by the action of the
liver. A dramatised sequence makes the point that seafarers
drinking ashore must carefully monitor their alcohol consumption so
that by the time they come on watch all the alcohol has gone from
their bloodstream. As alcohol can persist in the blood for many
hours, this means stopping drinking long before you go on
watch.
The effect of increasing blood alcohol concentration on
performance and the increased likelihood of an accident are
illustrated using graphics. The detrimental effects of excessive
alcohol consumption on the brain and liver are also described.
About one in twenty-five regular drinkers develops into a problem
drinker. The video deals with the difficult topic of what should be
done if one member of a shipboard team is suspected of abusing
alcohol. It is far better for the individual, the ship and the
company if the problem is addressed rather than ignored.
The video is supported by a booklet that supplements the
information in the video and also lists possible sources of
assistance for those who have to deal with alcohol problems.
