Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in First Aid on Board
This course provides you with the crucial skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea. Learn to diagnose and treat common injuries, administer essential medications, and stabilize patients until professional care…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts21 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
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Programme overview
What is the Diploma in First Aid on Board?
The Diploma in First Aid at Sea
This course provides you with the crucial skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea. Learn to diagnose and treat common injuries, administer essential medications, and stabilize patients until professional care arrives. This intensive program combines theory and practice with realistic simulations to ensure your preparedness for critical situations.
The Diploma in First Aid at Sea
This course provides you with the crucial skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea. Learn to diagnose and treat common injuries, administer essential medications, and stabilize patients until professional care arrives. This intensive program combines theory and practice with realistic simulations to ensure you are prepared for critical situations.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Simulations: Realistic recreations of onboard emergencies to develop confidence and competence.
- Recognized Certification: Meets international standards and enhances your maritime professional profile.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from professionals with extensive experience in maritime medicine and rescue.
- Up-to-Date Content: Protocols and techniques based on the latest recommendations from the World Health Organization.
- Flexible Schedule: Online format with downloadable materials and discussion forums for learning at your own pace.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Essential Fundamentals: Learn vital techniques to act quickly and effectively in medical emergencies at sea.
- Response Protocols: Master standardized procedures for stabilizing patients and managing critical situations on board.
- Medical Equipment: Familiarize yourself with the use and maintenance of the emergency first aid kit and available medical devices.
- Realistic Simulations: Participate in practical exercises that simulate real-life scenarios to strengthen your skills and decision-making.
- Professional Certification: Earn a recognized diploma that validates your ability to provide first aid in maritime environments.
- Prepare to protect the health and safety of crew and passengers with specialized knowledge and practical skills.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Nautical legal framework, STCW regulations and organisation of the healthcare ship
- International Legal Framework for Medical Assistance at Sea: STCW Agreement (A-VI/1-3 Basic Training in First Aid and A-VI/4 Medical Care), ILO 2006 ILO Convention and SOLAS Convention
- Legal responsibilities of the captain and officer of the medical service: duty of relief at sea, limits of health action by non-medical personnel, informed consent and custody of histories
- International Medical Guide for Vessels (IMO/WHO/ILO): Structure, Quick Consultation, Emergency Protocols and Consultation of Pharmacological Dosing Tables on Board
- Classification and regulations of marine kits: Type A, B and C kits according to the type of navigation, area of operation, number of crew members and coast away time
- Organisation of the nursing space and hospital on board: equipment of the nursing of the ship, immobilization stretchers, ventilation, hygiene conditions and infectious infectious contagious
- Management, control and stowage of shipped drugs: maintenance of the cold chain, expiration, registration of narcotic drugs and substances subject to official control
- Insurance policies, P&I clubs and evacuation management: health documentation required for landing of sailors, accident reports to the maritime authority and repatriation procedures
- Mandatory crew health training
02
Evaluation of the patient in isolated environment and basic life support (SVB) at sea
- Primary assessment of the patient in the marine environment (XABCDE Protocol): Control of ex-anguense hemorrhages, airway, ventilation, circulation, neurological deficit and exposure/environment
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in boats: adaptations of the technique of cardiac massage before the pitching, rocking and escort of the ship; Ventilation/Compression Rhythms (30:2)
- Handling of the automatic external defibrillator (DEA / DESA) on board: Electrical safety in wet or metal decks, placement of patches and moving download protocols
- Unobstruction of the airway by foreign body (OVACE): Heimlich manoeuvre in adults and children on board, adaptations for patients lying down or in small spaces
- Instrumental handling of the airway in first aid: use of oropharyngeal cannulas (Guedel), bag-valve masks (AMBU) and manual/electric secretion aspirators
- Secondary assessment and vital signs: manual measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, pulse oximetry, capillary blood glucose, central temperature and capillary filling
- Positioning of the patient according to pathology: Lateral safety position (PLS), Trendelenburg position for shock and analgic position in confined spaces
- Unconscious patient care
03
Naval Telemedicine, Medical Radio and Sanitary Evacuation Sheets (Medevac)
- National and International Medical Centre (TMAS - Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service): Contact channels (VHF Channel 16, HF, Inmarsat, Cospas-Sarsat) and emergency call procedure (PAN PAN MEDICAL)
- Protocol for the transmission of clinical data to the doctor on the ground: Structuring the report using the SBAR standard communication system (situation, background, evaluation, recommendation)
- Use of digitized telemedicine briefcases: 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) transmission, real-time constants, otoscopy and dermatoscopy via satellite
- Preparation and evaluation for medical evacuation (Medevac): Emergency evacuation criteria versus maintenance of the patient on board to the next port of call
- Coordination with aircraft and salvage boats (helicopters / marine rescue): conditioning of the patient for cable hoisting (Heli-Hoist), use of Camilla Neil Robertson and rescue briefing
- Preparation of the Medical Report Form: Record of daily evolution of the patient, administration of medications under prescription by radio and signature of responsibility
- Medical consultation procedure on ships without an on-board doctor: interpretation of remote medical instructions, administration of injectables (intramuscular/subcutaneous) under remote supervision
- Communication with Satellite Medical Services
04
Naval Traumatology, Immobilization, Choking and Burns at Sea
- Control of serious hemorrhages in decks and machines: use of tactical tourniquets (CAT), Israeli compression bandages, hemostatic agents and wound packaging
- Treatment of fractures, dislocations and sprains: immobilization with moldable splints (Sam Splint), vacuum splints and pneumatic traction in high vibration environments
- Cranioencephalic (TCE) and spinal trauma: Glasgow scale adapted, block immobilization, use of cervical collar and DAE (detect extraction device)
- Attention to thermal, electrical and chemical burns: Depth rating (1st, 2nd and 3rd grade), Calculation of the burned body surface (Rule of 9 of Wallace), Cooling and hydration
- Crushing and entrapment syndrome in machines or deck manoeuvres: pathophysiology, prevention of decompression shock and limb release protocol
- Eye trauma at sea: foreign bodies, chemical projections in tank cleaning, welding burns and continuous eyewashes with physiological serum
- Management of traumatic amputations and open wounds on the high seas: conservation of amputated parts in dry cold, mechanical sutures (staplers) and prevention of tetanus
- Treatment of basic wounds and sutures
05
Marine environmental pathologies: drowning, hypothermia, heat stroke and motion sickness
- Physiopathology of drowning and aspiration of water (sweet or salty): Management of respiratory distress syndrome, high priority rescue ventilation and prevention of secondary pulmonary edema
- Evaluation and treatment of hypothermia in cold waters: degrees of hypothermia, management of the cooling curve, passive reheating/external active and prevention of post-rescue collapse
- Heat pathologies in boilers and machine chambers: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, hydrostatic heat stroke, oral rehydration and electrolytic replenishment
- Kinetosis (sea bad) and disorientation: physiology of dizziness, administration of antiemetics and antihistamines, maintenance hydration and prevention of operational incapacitation
- Hazards from marine fauna and stings: treatment of poisoning by stone fish, hedgehogs, jellyfish (Portuguese caravel), manta rays and sea snake bites
- Prolonged exposure to solar radiation and saline environment: maritime keratitis, severe sunburn, eruptions due to salinity and epidermal dehydration
- Accidents due to decompression in professional and sports diving on board: decompressive disease (CDD), arterial gas embolism, high concentration normobaric oxygen therapy and transport to hyperbaric chamber
- Tropical Diseases and Vaccination
06
Internal Medical Emergencies, Naval Toxicology and Dangerous Goods (IMDG Code)
- Cardiovascular emergencies on board: recognition of acute coronary syndrome (infarction/angina), chest pain, hypertensive crisis and administration of cardiovascular emergency kit
- Respiratory emergencies: asthmatic seizures, gas inhalation bronchospasm in Bilges, spontaneous pneumothorax and on-board oxygen therapy (concentrators and bottles)
- Digestive emergencies and acute abdomen at sea: differential diagnosis of appendicitis, acute gastroenteritis, bleeding peptic ulcer, renal colic and vomiting dehydration
- Neurological and endocrine emergencies: Stroke (CVA/stroke), seizures, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia in diabetics and loss of consciousness without affiliation
- Toxic gas poisoning in confined spaces: hydrogen sulfide ($H_2S$), carbon monoxide ($CO$), freon gases of refrigeration and oxygen deficit ($O_2$)
- First Aid for Dangerous Goods (MFAG Guide - Medical First Aid Guide): Medical intervention for chemical spills, inhalation, or contact according to the IMDG code file
- Non-potable water and food poisoning management: Contamination of freshwater tanks, epidemic on-board outbreaks, insulation and disinfection of kitchen collectors
- Attention to serious allergic reactions
07
Embargoed mental health, crisis psychology, emergency dentistry and deceased management
- Emergency psychology and panic containment in shipwrecks: leadership of the medical officer, support for crew members in emotional crisis and prevention of risk behaviours during dropouts
- Mental health in long-term navigated campaigns: Depression detection, isolation anxiety, suicide prevention on board and management of acute psychotic episodes
- Fatigue management, sleep deprivation and delirium: impact of the guard regimen on performance, circadian rhythm disorders and ILO rest protocols
- Emergency dentistry on the high seas: provisional treatment of acute dental pain, pulpitis, phlegmons, temporary fillings and extreme emergency tooth extraction under medical radio
- Procedures before the death of a crew member at sea: verification of death, cadaveric signs, preservation of the body in the sanitary cold room and custody of belongings
- Medical-legal aspects and investigation of deaths on board: lifting of death certificate by the captain, preservation of evidence, sampling and notification to the state of the flag
- Health care of shipwrecked shipwrecked at sea: mass triage in deck, classification of injuries, decontamination and integration of survivors to the hospital on board
- Psychological support for the crew after incidents
08
Capstone Project: Comprehensive Health Response Plan and Simulation of Medical Emergency on Board
- Definition of the health loss scenario: Assignment of the type of ship (e.g. Fisherman's height, merchant in transoceanic defeat or large-length overall sailboat) and patient profile
- Assessment of the emergency and initiation of the XABCDE protocol: Simulation of initial decision-making, triage at the accident site (e.g. Engine Room or Deck) and transfer to the infirmary
- Simulation of the consultation with the Medical Radio Centre (TMAS): Drafting of the SBAR report, report of vital signs, transmission of data and request for remote pharmacological prescription
- Planning and application of on-board medical treatment: selection of supplies from the A/B kit, medicine dosing, fracture immobilization or airway management
- Design of the Emergency Medical Evacuation Plan (Medevac): Preparation of the roadmap for the arrival of the SAR helicopter or hospital ship, including the lifting manoeuvre with stretcher
- Audit of the first aid kit and preparation of the official medical record: preparation of the post-emergency replacement checklist, intervention record and reporting to the maritime authority
- Evaluation of the drill and continuous improvement
- Presentation and technical defence of the case before the Court: Presentation of the action plan and resolution of the clinical case before a jury made up of naval doctors, captains of the Merchant Navy and instructors STCW
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 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
Crew members of merchant and passenger ships seeking to acquire essential skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies at sea.Cruise ship and ferry personnel interested in expanding their knowledge of pre-hospital care and handling critical situations on board.Oil platform and offshore vessel workers needing specialized first aid training in isolated maritime environments.Fishing and
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
- 01Apply basic and advanced life support techniques in maritime emergency situations
- 02Assess and manage risks to prevent accidents and injuries in maritime environments
- 03Effectively coordinate emergency communications and evacuation procedures on vessels
- 04Effectively administer medications and basic treatments according to medical indications and established protocols on board
- 05Implement protocols for responding to specific medical emergencies that may arise on board, minimizing the impact on the health of the crew and passengers
- 06Properly use the medical equipment and supplies available on board to stabilize and care for patients in emergency situations
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Crew Member: Immediate application of first aid in onboard emergency situations.
02Maritime Emergency Support Personnel: Collaboration with rescue and medical assistance teams at sea.
03Offshore Platform/Maritime Facility Worker: Response to medical emergencies in isolated environments.
04Onboard Safety Officer: Implementation of protocols and first aid training for the crew.
05Nautical Activities Monitor/Instructor: Ensuring the safety of participants and providing first aid when necessary.
06Cruise Ship/Ferry Personnel: Providing care to passengers and crew in medical emergencies.
07Volunteer in Maritime Rescue Organizations: Participation in search and rescue operations, providing first aid First aid.
08Fishing/aquaculture personnel: Attention to accidents and common illnesses in the maritime sector.
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Questions
Entry Requirements
To train the crew to provide initial medical care for emergencies and illnesses on board vessels, stabilizing patients until professional medical care can be obtained.
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.
Yes, this diploma specifically prepares you to provide first aid in maritime or aerial environments.
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:Secondary Education Certificate (ESO) or equivalent; or demonstrable professional experience in the maritime/healthcare field.Prior Knowledge:Basic first aid training is recommended, but not essential.Documentation:Abbreviated CV, copy of ID/Passport, proof of professional experience (if applicable).Physical Aptitudes:Physical capacity to perform drills and rescue maneuvers.```
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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