Dehydration at seafarers – prevention, symptoms and approaches

Dehydration may be caused of either limited water intake, excessive loss of water, or both. The lack of water is much too serious than that of food. Every healthy man loses approximately 2,5% of the general body water a day (which is around 1,200 l) along with the urine, the air which he breathes out, perspiration and the gastrointestinal tract. If we are to put in addition to this loss increased perspiration, as a result from a row of factors caused by external environment, or some disease states in which the sailors on ships are exposed, dehydration could lead to a shock and death in just a few hours. The sailors’ training in reference to the importance of this state, is of significant matter for them to prepare themselves properly before going on board, and consciously prevent dehydration during their voyage.