Introduction The aim of the NATO Handbook on Maritime Medicine is to provide guidance for NATO medical officers in all aspects of maritime medicine that are not covered in standard medical textbooks and other publications@ or which require special consideration because of the varied conditions encountered in the Naval environment afloat. This handbook is not intended for specialists ashore or aboard specialized naval vessels. National medical policies may overrule the guidelines set by this handbook. The handbook does not constitute an official position of NATO nations; certain aspects however are already covered by STANAGs.