For polar cruise operators, conducting pre-departure medical screenings can be logistically challenging, expensive and time-consuming. To make it easier and more affordable for everyone, VIKAND developed a secure, web-based medical screening platform that guests and operators can access worldwide from any device. 

The Cost & Impact of a Diversion 

According to UK tech firm Martek Marine, one in five ships diverts every year due to a medical problem onboard, with each event costing an average of $180,000 – not to mention the increased insurance premiums.   

Evacuating a sick or injured guest to a shoreside medical facility is not only far more expensive and time-consuming in a polar region, it also burdens local health resources, which may be minimal. Between the costs and local impact, it is imperative that polar cruise operators minimise the risk of an onboard health emergency. 

VIKAND’s Medical Screening Solution 

The current pre-voyage screening process has a high margin of error, from missed deadlines and incomplete paperwork to inadequate results from doctors who don’t understand maritime health requirements. Operators, meanwhile, face logistical headaches that often consume significant resources.   

VIKAND’s online medical screening platform solves many of these logistical and administrative issues, creating a smoother experience for both the guest and operator.   

First, a guest logs in to a secure website and completes a short medical questionnaire, which includes mandatory fields for important information. Next, they schedule a medical screening with a VIKAND doctor in English, Spanish, German, Russian or French. After all results and information are received, our medical team can determine if the guest is fit to sail.       

Guests who still prefer an offline, in-person experience can opt to complete the questionnaire in hard copy and book a medical screening with their local doctor.  

The Benefits of Online Medical Screening 

VIKAND’s medical screening platform enhances the guest experience and streamlines work for operators. Guest safety and wellbeing are critical on expedition cruises, whilst operations are based on strict safety standards.   

Here are 6 key benefits that polar cruise operators and their guests enjoy when they switch to our screening service:   

1. Simplicity: The entire process is completely private, fully managed and easy for guests to follow. For operators, a team is no longer needed for this. One person can easily manage the work of moving all guests through the screening process. 
2. Compliance: Our online platform was built to comply with all applicable laws and standards, including GDPR in the European Union, HIPAA in the United States, and global industry benchmarks developed by AECO and IAATO
3. Efficiency: VIKAND developed this system to alleviate administrative burdens associated with screening all potential guests. In doing so, our goal is to help cruise companies save time, money and staffing resources. 
4. Transparency: Each client has access to a secure online dashboard that shows the live status of where each guest is in the screening process. This eliminates guesswork, errors and ongoing follow-up communication with each guest. 
5. Communication: As a service partner, VIKAND keeps both clients and their guests informed each step of the way. Our goal is to provide everyone involved with full visibility during the entire screening process. 
6. Automation: Guests are automatically notified when forms are received or when an action is required on their part. In addition to notifications, clients get access to a custom dashboard with the live status of each guest. 

Minimising Risk & Costs, Maximising Convenience 

Whether it’s the desire to encounter exotic wildlife or simply explore remote and awe-inspiring landscapes, people truly love polar cruising. However, operators face unique challenges, from risk mitigation to keeping their impact as minimal as possible.   

Keeping guests safe and healthy in remote regions is of critical importance, and VIKAND’s medical screening platform is designed to maximise convenience and minimise risk. As experts in maritime healthcare, we have the tools and experience to support operators with cost-effective best practices before the journey even begins.