MNTB FACTSHEET April 2010

Training for medical first aid/medical care on board ship

and updating of medical care aboard ship (optional)
This factsheet is aimed at seafarers who are required to provide medical first aid
and/or medical care aboard ship in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Training
and Certification) Regulations 1997. It identifies the three types of training to be
undertaken medical first aid and medical care, which are both mandatory, and
medical refresher training, which is optional. The explanation below is supplemented
by the diagram, over.
1

Training for medical first aid on board ship

This training is intended for seafarers who are designated to provide medical first aid
on board ship, in accordance with Regulation VI/4 of the Annex to the STCW
Convention and Section A-VI/4 (1 3) of the STCW Code.
1.1

Candidates must be at least 16 years old.

1.2

As a part of the mandatory requirement for Basic Training, Elementary First Aid
is provided at a pre-sea stage.

1.3

Candidates who hold a certificate in Elementary First Aid issued in accordance

with Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code (or an equivalent recognised by the
MCA) must undertake this training in full in order to update and extend their
knowledge and skills in current medical first aid procedures and/or to obtain a
Certificate of Competency.

Training for medical care on board ship

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 (46) of the STCW Code.
2.1

Candidates must be 16 years old and have obtained the medical first aid
certificate.

2.2

Candidates are required to undertake this training in full in order to update and
extend their knowledge and skills in current medical first aid procedures and/or
to obtain a higher Certificate of Competency

Training for updating of medical care on board ship (optional)

This training is intended for masters and other persons in charge of medical care on
UK-flag vessels who are required to undertake refresher training in accordance with
EC Directive 92/29 EC and Part 6 of the MCA Training and Certification Guidance
MGN 96 (M). Before commencing training, candidates must either have received
approved or recognised training in Proficiency in Medical Care On Board Ship, as
above, or hold a certificate of Updated Proficiency in Medical Care On Board Ship.

DIAGRAM SHOWING VARIOUS ROUTES TO MEDICAL TRAINING IN UK

Candidate

Elementary First Aid

certificate undertaken as
part of Basic Training at
pre-sea stage
Candidate

Medical First Aid

(Mandatory)
Duration: 28 hours

Medical Care Aboard

Ship
(Mandatory)
s
hours
1.Duration:
Medical35
First
Aid
Requirement:
Medical First Aid
(Mandatory)
(MFA) certificate
Duration:
4 days

Medical Refresher Training

(Optional)
Duration: 21 hours
Requirement for entry:
Medical Care Aboard Ship
certificate

2. Medical Care Aboard Ship

(Mandatory)
Duration: 5 days
erson in-charge for Medical care on
UK flag vessels

At this stage, candidate

has an option to choose
either Refresher Training
or Medical Care Aboard
Ship Training

Must be undertaken to obtain

OOW Certificate of
Competency

Must be renewed every 5 years

for Masters & Designated
Person in-charge of medical
care on UK or EU flag vessels

NB: If a candidate fails the assessment then subject to the severity of failure they may be asked to either retake the whole course or the specific
module(s) in which the failure occurred.