Proficiency in Medical Care

The MCA Medical Care course runs over five days. In common with the shorter courses, there is an

emphasis on a wider range of practical skills (with the opportunity to revisit practical skills sessions during the five days – a process of ‘spiral learning’). However, an underlying aim of the course is to instruct crew how to take care of injured or unwell crew for extended periods, and hence the course is appropriate for crew who are venturing well beyond the range of straightforward rescue.

There are sessions on anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the human body, which aid a deeper understanding of why certain actions and treatments are required whilst caring for patients.

There are specific sessions of the treatment of heart and lung problems, and emergencies such as severe allergic reactions and burns.

A pre-requisite for undertaking the MCA Medical Care course is that an MCA Medical First Aid course must have been undertaken within the previous five years.

Course Structure

Medical Support Offshore run the Medical Care Onboard Ship (aka Captains Medical) on a monthly basis in Palma and offer a wide range of medical services to sailing yachts, superyacht crew and offhsore vessels.

A pre-requisite for undertaking the MCA Medical Care course is that an MCA Medical First Aid course must have been undertaken within the previous five years.

This is an MCA approved course which meets the mandatory requirements for Seafarers who are designated to take charge of medical care on board ship, or for those who are seeking to gain Certificates of Competency. This intensive course is very practical covering life support, diagnostic techniques, management of a wide range of medical conditions and practical instruction in a variety of procedures such as clinical examination techniques, intramuscular injections, wound suturing and monitoring vital signs.

Standard: STCW Reg. VI/4 Sect. A-VI/4-2

(previously known as Medical Care on Board Ship and also Ship Captains’ Medical Course)