Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Course · 300 h · 5 modules
First aid kit and medical equipment on board course
This course provides you with the essential skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea. Learn to manage the standard first aid kit, diagnose and treat the most common ailments, and use the basic medical equipment…
Duration300 h
FormatOnline
Starts30 November
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the First aid kit and medical equipment on board course?
The First Aid Kit and Medical Equipment Onboard Course
This course provides you with the essential skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea. Learn to manage the standard first aid kit, diagnose and treat the most common ailments, and use the basic medical equipment available. This course prepares you to act safely and confidently in critical situations, minimizing risks and safeguarding the health of the crew.
Differential Advantages
- Simulated Hands-on Training: Realistic onboard medical emergency scenarios.
- Essential Medication Management: Administration, dosage, and contraindications.
- Communication Protocols: How to effectively request remote medical assistance.
- Medical Equipment: Use and maintenance of the defibrillator, oxygen, and other devices.
- Recognized Certification: Meets international standards for maritime safety.
Programme type
Course
Study mode
Online
Duration
300 hours
Modules
5
Start date
08-12-2026
Programme highlights
- Master the management of the onboard first aid kit: from organization and stock control to regulatory compliance.
- Learn to select the essential medical equipment for common emergencies at sea.
- Action protocols: know the guidelines for acting effectively in various medical situations on board.
- Maintenance and inspection: ensure the operability of medical equipment through preventive maintenance practices.
- Maritime legislation: stay up-to-date on international regulations relating to maritime health.
- Expand your knowledge and improves crew safety with comprehensive and practical training.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 5 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
International regulations and classification of nautical kit
- Study of international regulations (2006 MLC Convention) and local legislation on medical equipment.
- Classification of first aid kits according to the navigation zone: Categories A, B and C (Oceanica, cabotage and proximity).
- Legal responsibility of the captain and the assigned medical officer in the management of drugs on board.
- The drug control book: protocols for the registration of inventory, consumption and replacement.
- Storage requirements: temperature, humidity and protection against saltpeter conditions.
02
Life support equipment and critical emergencies
- Use and maintenance of the Automatic External Defibrillator (DEA) in the marine environment.
- Oxygen therapy equipment: Management of oxygen bottles, reducers and administration masks.
- Airway management devices: Guedel cannulas and manual resuscitators (ambu).
- Equipment for basic monitoring: blood pressure monitors, pulse oximetres and clinical thermometres.
- Control of massive hemorrhages: Technical use of tourniquets, hemostatic dressings and pressure bandages.
03
Management of drugs, analgesics and medicine cabinet
- Classification of drugs on board: analgesics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and gastric protectors.
- Management of specific drugs for seasickness and marine dermatological conditions.
- Protocols for the administration of injectables: venoclysis material, syringes and needle disposal.
- Antiseptics and cure material: types of gauze, adhesive sutures, elastic bandages and burn dressings.
- The treatment kit for bites and contact with marine fauna: chemical and physical protocols.
04
Equipment for the immobilization and evacuation of the patient
- Types of nautical rescue stretchers: basket-type stretcher (Stokes), vacuum stretcher and spinal board.
- Use of cervical collars and immobilization splints for fractures in the limbs.
- Patient stabilisation protocols during the movement of the ship (thick sea).
- Equipment for hoisting and evacuation by helicopter (Medevac): Slings and protection blankets.
- Management of spaces for the isolation of patients with infectious diseases.
05
Maintenance, hygiene and biosecurity of medical equipment
- Disinfection and sterilization of emergency surgical instruments on board.
- Bio-sanitary waste management: Containers of sharp material and biohazard bags.
- Preventive maintenance of medical electronic equipment against radio interference.
- Control of pests in the lazaretto or nursing area: prevention of contamination in sterile supplies.
- Personal protective equipment (EPI) for the lifeguard: gloves, masks, glasses and gowns.
Workload
Study Time and Workload
300 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Captains, officers, and crew responsible for safety and well-being on board, seeking a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and the practical use of the first aid kit.Shore-based personnel in shipping lines and vessel management companies who need to ensure regulatory compliance and optimize the management of onboard medical inventory.Marine medical equipment suppliers who wish to
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Effectively manage available medical resources
- 02Apply first aid and basic life support techniques
- 03Identify and mitigate common medical risks in navigation
- 04Maintain and properly organize the first aid kit and medical equipment
- 05Communicating medical information effectively in emergency situations
- 06Assess and respond appropriately to medical emergencies on board
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Onboard Emergency Medical Technician: Initial care, stabilization, and patient transfer.
02Onboard Medical Kit Manager: Inventory management, expiration date control, and maintenance of medical equipment.
03Passenger Ship Nursing Staff: Medical assistance to passengers and crew.
04Onboard Safety Officer: Knowledge of emergency protocols and use of medical equipment.
05Cruise Ship and Ferry Staff: Care for passengers with medical needs and emergency management.
06Oil Platform and Offshore Wind Farm Worker: Healthcare in remote and hazardous environments.
07Volunteer with NGOs and Maritime Rescue Vessels: Medical assistance in crisis situations and aid Humanitarian.
08First aid and medical equipment trainer on board: Instructor in maritime safety courses.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
Antiseptics, analgesics, antipyretics, antihistamines, gauze, bandages, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, disposable gloves, first aid manual and specific medications for people on board.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Bandages, antiseptics, painkillers, motion sickness medication, scissors, tweezers, and gloves.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:First Aid Certificate or equivalent; or demonstrable experience in handling first aid kits and medical equipment.Specific Competency:Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Ability to correctly identify and use medications and medical equipment.Documentation:Updated CV, copy of First Aid certificate (if applicable), ID/Passport.Physical Requirements:Ability to perform tasks requiring moderate physical strength and endurance (e.g., lifting and carrying equipment). Good vision and hearing.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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