Proficiency in Medical Care

Entry Requirements - Minimum Age of 16 years and over. Candidate should hold a Certificate of Proficiency in Medical First Aid Onboard Ship, or hold a certificate of Proficiency in Medical Care Onboard Ship or its update. Evidence of prerequisites is required for inspection at course commencement.

Course Description

This training is intended for seafarers who are designated to take charge of medical care on board ship, in accordance with:

Regulation VI/4 of the Annex to the STCW Convention and Section A-VI/4 (4–6) of the STCW Code

The Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 1997.

Course Structure

On completion of the training, the trainees will:

be able to apply immediate first aid in the event of an accident or illness on board

have knowledge of reference materials and first aid and medical equipment on board and understand their use in the management of accidents and medical emergencies.

These objectives are reflected in unit A12 of the marine national occupational standards.

The following general principles will be covered over the duration of this course:

Revision of basic first aid

Techniques for providing treatment and medical care to sick or injured seafarers while they remain on board ship

Proper use of the medical equipment and supplies carried aboard merchant ships

Sources of information, with particular reference to the advice and procedures contained in the Ship Captain’s Medical Guide

Procedures for participation in co-ordinated schemes for medical assistance to ships including Medical Advice by Radio

The importance of documentation and record keeping