Onboard laundry operations play a critical role in the prevention and control of communicable diseases on passenger ships. Every day, large volumes of linen circulate between cabins, medical areas, crew quarters, and public spaces. If not handled, processed, and monitored correctly, contaminated textiles can become vehicles for the transmission of gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.

Effective laundry management is therefore not simply an operational task; it is a vital public health control measure. Proper segregation of soiled and clean linen, correct wash parameters, validated disinfection processes, and strict personal hygiene practices form essential barriers in breaking the chain of infection onboard.

This training has been developed in accordance with the 3rd Edition of the European Manual for Hygiene Standards and Communicable Disease Surveillance on Passenger Ships, and follows the structure and requirements outlined in Annex 28 – Model Training Plan for Housekeeping Related Practices.

By understanding and applying these standards, laundry personnel directly contribute to maintaining a safe, hygienic, and compliant shipboard environment for passengers and crew alike.