Abstract： Objective To investigate the incidence of rheumatism commonly seen among marine fishermen and the influencing factors,and then to develop appropriate preventive measures.Methods An epidemiological investigation was made on rheumatism commonly occurred among the marine fishermen,who had been out to sea for 3 - 29 years,in Haiyang,Shandong Province. In accordance with the specific questionnaire on rheumatism,inquiries were made on those with positive symptoms,and checks and physical examinations were made,and then forms were filled out,and finally consultation and confirmation were made by the investigation team.Results Statistics showed that 387 cases of rheumatism (50.33％) were detected in 769 marine fishermen. Of all the cases,121 cases were rheumatic arthralgia (31.27％),71 cases were osteoarthritis (18.35％),1 case was rheumatoid arthritis (0.26％ ),1 case was ankylosing spondylitis (0.26％),83 cases were lumbar disc herniation (21.45％) and 110 cases were lumbar muscle fiber inflammation (28.42％).Conclusions Affected by wind and cold,marine fishermen have a high incidence of rheumatism.When they encounter cold and humid environment and engage in high intensity labor,the symptoms would become severer. Incidence of the disease could be considerably reduced by enhancing propaganda about the common knowledge on the prevention of rheumatism and related health education,increasing the sense of self protection among marine workers,reducing labor intensity and avoiding such harmful factors as wind,cold and humidity.