Since 1962, the Saisei-Maru has for over fifty years cruised among the 65 islands in Seto-Inland Sea for periodical health check-ups of the islanders, and it is called affectionately as the "hospital in the sea. EStaffed by members of the Okayama, Hiroshima, Kagawa, and Ehime branches of the Saiseikai Hospital Group, almost 10,000 islanders were examined every year. At the time of the Great Hanshin Earthquake, this boat has contributed to rescue operation. In the ordinary activities, this boat serves as the training center of regional medicine for doctors, nurses and other hospital employees