Advanced medical leadership training for officers and senior yacht crew.
The STCW Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship (A-VI/4-2) course is designed for seafarers who may be required to take full responsibility for medical care on board a vessel during extended periods at sea.
Delivered at our base at Second Star Sailing in Antigua and certified through Centaur Training, this intensive five-day programme equips senior crew with the skills, judgement and confidence to manage serious illness, injury and medical emergencies when professional medical help is not immediately available. This course is available as:
- a 5-day initial certification for first-time candidates, or
- a 3-day refresher / revalidation for those renewing an existing certificate (valid for 5 years)
This course goes well beyond first aid. It focuses on clinical assessment, ongoing patient care, decision-making and leadership in the maritime environment.
What You Will Learn
The initial and refresher courses share the same core syllabus, with the refresher programme focusing on consolidation, updates and practical reassessment.
Training covers assessment, treatment and ongoing care of seriously ill or injured patients at sea, including comprehensive patient monitoring:
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
- Blood oxygen saturation
- Level of consciousness
- Urinalysis
- Blood glucose levels
You will also cover:
- Procedures for obtaining emergency medical assistance, including Telemedical (TMAS) support
- Medical documentation and legal record keeping
- Extended airway, breathing and circulation (ABC) management, including oxygen therapy and additional airway support
- Assessment, examination and management of medical conditions affecting:
- Cardiovascular
- Respiratory
- Urinary
- Gastrointestinal
- Gynaecological
- Dental, ear, nose and throat
- Ophthalmic
- Communicable diseases and sexually transmitted infections
- Use and management of medicines in the ship’s medical kit, including controlled drugs
- Pain assessment and management, using a multi-modal approach
- Continuous observation and nursing care of seriously ill or injured patients
Practical Clinical Skills
Both the initial and refresher courses include hands-on clinical practice, with emphasis adjusted to experience level.
Practical sessions include:
- Wound closure techniques:
- Suturing
- Gluing
- Stapling
- Adhesive strips
- Administration of local anaesthetic
- Urinary catheterisation (male and female)
- Subcutaneous and intramuscular injections
- Preparation for intravenous and intraosseous access, including giving sets and cannulation
- Recognition, prevention and control of infection on board, including liaison with port health authorities
- Management of death at sea
- Emergency management of childbirth at sea
Refresher candidates focus on safe technique, decision-making and current best practice.
Who Is This Course For
This course is intended for seafarers who may be required to act as the designated medical officer on board, including:
- Masters and senior officers
- Yacht captains, chief mates and senior deck crew
- Professional mariners operating offshore or on extended voyages
- Crew meeting STCW medical care requirements for certification or revalidation
Initial Certification vs Refresher Course
5-Day Initial Course
- For candidates completing Proficiency in Medical Care Aboard Ship for the first time
- Full coverage of syllabus with extensive practical training
- Suitable for officers stepping into senior medical responsibility
3-Day Refresher / Revalidation
- For candidates renewing an existing A-VI/4-2 certificate
- Focus on skill refresh, updates and practical reassessment
- Required every 5 years to maintain STCW compliance
Pre-Requisites
Initial Course:
- Completion of STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid (A-VI/4-1) or equivalent
Refresher Course:
- Previously issued STCW Medical Care (A-VI/4-2) certificate
No prior clinical background is required — all training is tailored to the maritime environment.
Course Format & Certification
- Standard: STCW Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship (A-VI/4-2)
- Delivery Location: Second Star Sailing, Antigua
- Certification: Issued through Centaur Training
- Initial Course Duration: 5 days
- Refresher Course Duration: 3 days
- Format: Classroom-based with extensive practical and scenario-based training
Certificates are internationally recognised under STCW and accepted by flag states and maritime authorities worldwide.
What This Certificate Allows You To Do
On successful completion (initial or refresher), you are certified to:
- Act as the designated medical officer on board
- Take full responsibility for medical care at sea
- Provide extended treatment and nursing care
- Administer and manage medicines safely
- Coordinate with Telemedical (TMAS) services
- Manage serious illness, injury and end-of-life situations
- Maintain legally compliant medical records
This qualification demonstrates advanced medical leadership in a maritime setting.
Price and Availability
- Duration: 5 days
- Format: In-person training with practical assessment
- Pricing: Available on request or via scheduled course listings
Courses are run subject to minimum numbers and instructor availability. Due to the specialist nature of the training, early booking is strongly recommended.
If your preferred dates are not listed, contact us — we may be able to schedule additional courses.
Why Take This Course with Second Star Sailing
- Delivered in a professional maritime training environment
- Experienced instructors familiar with real-world medical decision-making at sea
- Strong emphasis on practical skills and confidence under pressure
- Ideal location for yacht crew and commercial mariners operating in the Caribbean
- Training delivered locally with internationally recognised STCW certification
We prepare you to take calm, competent control when medical situations become serious.
