[THE LOW-QUALITY DRINKING WATER AT SHIP AS THREAT OF DAMAGING HEALTH OF SAILORS AND DEVELOPING OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES].

The normal professional activity of crew members of seagoing vessels requires permanent access to drinking water. The quality and safety of water are determined by combination of indicators characterizing physical, chemical, bacteriological, organoleptic and other properties. On particular vessels of merchant navy, drinking water may contain chemical substances or microorganisms contributing to development of intestinal infections and viral diseases. Furthermore, law-quality water on ship board can contribute to development of occupational diseases among sailors. The article reveals procedure to supply seagoing vessels with drinking water, defines minimal quantitative standards of daily consumption per crew member, identifies requirements to quality of drinking water and possible causes of their breach. The possible occupational diseases of gastrointestinal tract and main illnesses among crew members caused by poor-quality water on board ships are identified. On the basis of study results, practical recommendations are formulated to prevent development of negative trends.