TASK TITLE:   Recommendations on Appropriate Diets and Wellness for Mariners While Onboard Merchant Vessels.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:  
The Coast Guard seeks the input of industry, via MEDMAC, towards the development of guidance for mariners and industry on diet, nutrition and wellness for mariners while onboard merchant vessels.    

BACKGROUND:  

In recognition that lifestyle factors related diet and exercise may contribute to the development of serious medical conditions, MEDMAC has provided a series of recommendations related to mariner health education, prevention and wellness.  Presentations at MEDMAC's 9[th] meeting in Jacksonville, FL highlighted that a balanced diet and exercise can contribute to improved health and well-being and reduce the causes for medical and physical disqualification among merchant mariners. The Committee noted that elements of the shipboard environment might play a significant role in the unhealthy lifestyle choices of those aboard, including the caloric and nutritive content of meals, limited space for exercise,  and the statutory requirements for vessels to serve seaman 3100 calories per day, and to provide for tobacco products.  Based on this discussion, the Committee requested that the USCG issue a future task to review the current statute on mariner caloric intake and on the requirement for tobacco availability on ships. 
DESCRIPTION OF TASKS/DELIVERABLES: 
Provide recommendations for guidance to mariners, and to industry on the following:  
   1. Diet and nutrition while aboard the vessel.   
   2. Exercise and wellness while aboard the vessel. 
   3. Use of tobacco products.
Provide recommendations on the statutory requirements for the provision of 3100 calories/day and provision of tobacco products. 
Provide comments/recommendations to the Coast Guard by the close of the Fall 2016 MEDMAC meeting.  
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: 
46 U.S. Code § 10303(a), minutes from the Spring 2016 MEDMAC meeting, and Committee draft of proposed edits to the code.
                                       
                              Annex to Task 16-24
                        MISSION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
 Recommendations on Appropriate Diets and Wellness for Mariners While Onboard Merchant Vessels.
The Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee (MEDMAC) hereby establishes a standing Working Group to provide recommendations to mariners and industry on diet, nutrition and wellness while onboard merchant vessels.    
The Working Group shall make recommendations to the MEDMAC for the purpose of providing guidance to mariners and industry on diet, nutrition and wellness while onboard merchant vessels.  
The Working Group shall respond to specific task assignments requested by the Coast Guard or the Chair of the MEDMAC.
The Working Group shall make recommendations to the MEDMAC in the form of specific written reports.  
In carrying out its work the following guiding principles apply:

   1. The Working Group shall be chaired by one member of MEDMAC. 
   2. The Working Group may have participation from the public and other interested parties.  
   3. Meetings of the Working Group shall occur at regular meetings of the MEDMAC at a minimum.  Additional meetings may be called by the Working Group Chair or at the request of the MEDMAC Chair of the Coast Guard.  All meetings of the Working Group will be announced in the Federal Register.
   4. Meetings of the Working Group should be guided by Roberts Rules of Order and the Working Group Chairman shall organize and conduct the meetings.  In the absence of the Chairman, another MEDMAC member from the Working Group shall act as Working Group Chair. 
   5. The Working Group shall recognize the work and recommendations from previous Working Group work.
   
