STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid on Board Ship (A-VI/4-1) (MFAS)

Advanced medical response training for professional mariners and yacht crew.

The STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid on Board Ship (A-VI/4-1) course equips seafarers with the skills and confidence to manage medical emergencies at sea, where professional help may be hours or days away.

Delivered at our base at Second Star Sailing in Antigua and certified through Centaur Training, this course is essential for officers, yacht crew and commercial mariners who may be responsible for providing medical care on board.

This is practical, scenario-based training focused on real decision-making, calm leadership and effective casualty management in the maritime environment.

What Will You Learn

This course goes beyond basic first aid, focusing on assessment, management and ongoing care of casualties on board a vessel.

You will cover:

• Scene assessment and casualty management, including safety of crew and vessel
• Immediate assessment and care of casualties, including unconscious patients
• Procedures for obtaining emergency medical help, including Telemedical (TMAS) assistance
• Medical documentation and record keeping
• Airway, breathing and circulation (ABC) management, including resuscitation techniques
• Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Assessment and management of:
  • Shock
  • Bleeding (internal and external)
  • Wounds and dressings
  • Hypothermia and hyperthermia
  • Burns, including severity assessment
  • Spinal and musculo-skeletal injuries, including fractures and splinting
  • Head, chest and abdominal injuries, including monitoring
  • Choking and airway obstruction
  • Poisoning
• Management of common medical emergencies, including:
  • Heart attack
  • Asthma
  • Hypo- and hyperglycaemia
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Seizures
  • Stroke
• Hygiene, infection control and prevention of cross-infection
• Familiarisation with onboard first aid kits
• Practical use of medical equipment during hands-on exercises

Training is highly practical, with realistic onboard scenarios reflecting the challenges of treating casualties at sea.

Who Is This Course For

This course is designed for seafarers who may be required to take charge of medical care on board, including:

• Officers and crew on commercial yachts
• Professional mariners and merchant seafarers
• Skippers and mates on commercial or offshore vessels
• Crew working toward STCW compliance
• Yacht crew preparing for extended or offshore operations

It is particularly relevant where medical professionals are not immediately available.

Pre-Requisites

• No medical background required
• Participants should already hold STCW Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3) or equivalent
• Suitable for experienced crew stepping into greater responsibility

Course Format & Certification

This 4 day course uses realistic onboard medical scenarios and decision-making

• Standard: STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid on Board Ship (A-VI/4-1)
• Delivery Location: Second Star Sailing, Antigua
• Certification: Issued through Centaur Training
• Format: Classroom-based with extensive practical exercises

Certificates are internationally recognised and meet STCW requirements for commercial service.

What This Certificate Allows You To Do

On successful completion of the STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid on Board Ship (A-VI/4-1) course, you are certified to take responsibility for medical first aid on board a vessel in accordance with the STCW Convention.

This certification confirms that you are competent to:

• Take charge of medical first aid on board when no medical professional is available
• Assess, prioritise and manage casualties following illness or injury at sea
• Maintain airway, breathing and circulation, including resuscitation and use of a defibrillator
• Stabilise casualties and provide ongoing care until professional assistance is available
• Communicate effectively with shore-based medical services, including Telemedical (TMAS) support
• Record and document medical incidents accurately for legal and operational purposes
• Use onboard medical equipment and first aid kits correctly and safely
• Prevent cross-infection and maintain hygiene standards in a maritime environment

The certificate is internationally recognised under STCW and is accepted by:

• Commercial yacht operators
• Shipping companies
• Flag states and maritime authorities
• Employers requiring STCW medical competence

For officers, yacht crew and professional mariners, this qualification demonstrates a higher level of medical responsibility and readiness on board.

Price and Availability

• Initial Course: 5 days – USD $2,500 per person
• Refresher Course: 3 days – USD $1,500 per person

Courses take place normally January-February each year and are run subject to minimum numbers and instructor availability. Early booking is strongly recommended, particularly during peak yachting seasons.

If your preferred dates are not listed, contact us — we may be able to schedule an additional course.

Why Take This Course with Second Star Sailing

• Delivered in a professional maritime training environment
• Instructors experienced in real-world medical response at sea

• Strong focus on practical confidence and leadership
• Ideal location for Caribbean-based yacht crew and commercial mariners
• Locally delivered training with globally recognised STCW certification

We focus on preparing you to act calmly, decisively and effectively when it matters most.