Marine Advisory: 23/2025 - Hazards Associated with Ingestion of Non-Consumable Liquids Containing Ethanol and Other Chemicals

Subject: HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH INGESTION OF NON-CONSUMABLE LIQUIDS

CONTAINING ETHANOL AND OTHER CHEMICALS

Reference:

• The International Safety Management Code Part A, Section 7
• STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)– Regulation VIII/1
• Maritime Labour Convention 2006 as amended, Regulation 4.1
• Liberian Marine Notice MLC-005, paragraph 3.3.3 (g)

Dear Shipowners, Operators, Masters and Crew:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to draw attention to the serious health hazards associated with seafarers consuming liquids containing ethanol and other chemicals not intended for human consumption.

Background

The Administration has investigated 5 fatal incidents aboard Liberian-flagged vessels involving the ingestion of hazardous liquids. These cases include:

• Accidental ingestion of cleaning chemicals mistaken for drinking water.
• Intentional consumption of hand sanitizer and mineral spirits due to lack of access to alcohol. - Consumption of counterfeit alcohol purchased from unauthorized sources.

Each case revealed gaps in safety culture, supervision, and crew training.

Recommendations

• • Chemical Safety & Storage
• Label all containers clearly and permanently, especially those used for chemicals or cleaning agents.
• Prohibit reuse of food or beverage containers for storing chemicals.
• Secure hazardous substances in locked cabinets with restricted access.
  • Crew Awareness & Training
• Conduct regular safety briefings on the dangers of ingesting unknown substances.
• Include ethanol poisoning awareness in onboard health and safety training.
• Reinforce STCW Code Section A-VI/1 (Basic Safety Training).

• • Alcohol & Substance Control

• Enforce a strict no-consumption policy for non-consumable substances, including hand sanitizers and industrial alcohols.
• Monitor and control access to alcohol substitutes and educate crew on the dangers of counterfeit products.
• Comply with MLC 2006 Regulation 4.1, ensuring access to medical care and mental health support.

• • Medical Response Preparedness

• Equip vessels with ethanol poisoning treatment protocols and ensure crew know how to respond.
• Maintain 24/7 access to telemedical services.
• Ensure Medical Chest contents comply with WHO and IMO guidelines.

• • ISM Code Compliance

Review and revise Safety Management Systems under ISM Code Part A, Section 7 to include:

• Risk assessments for chemical handling and storage.
• Emergency response procedures for accidental ingestion.
• Supervision protocols for crew behavior and substance control.

• • Leadership & Accountability

Masters and Senior officers:

• Conduct routine cabin inspections to detect misuse of substances.
• Foster a culture of open reporting without fear of retaliation.

For more information, please contact the Investigations Department at investigations@liscr.com.

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