Cheers Viki

20% discount for Island Cruising members!

Offshore Medical Training: Why It's Essential for Cruising and Boat Owners

For sailors, cruisers, and yachties, the importance of offshore medical training cannot be overstated. Having the knowledge to administer first aid and basic medical care on board your boat can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Whether you’re heading out on an overnight voyage or a long-distance offshore trip, it is essential to make sure you have the knowledge and skills necessary to handle any medical situations that may arise.

In this article, we'll discuss why it's essential for all boaties to have a minimal level of understanding when it comes to medical care at sea.

Why is Offshore Medical Training Important?

Offshore medical training is important because it provides boaters with the skills and knowledge to respond appropriately in a medical emergency while out on the water. Being able to respond quickly in an emergency situation is paramount.

A basic knowledge of first aid along with additional information such as how to administer CPR can help save lives when there are no other options available. Additionally, having this type of training can also prevent minor illnesses or injuries from becoming more serious if not treated promptly.

What is Coastal & Offshore Medical Training?

This type of medical training covers a wide range of topics related to first aid or advanced life support treatments for those onboard or on nearby boats. The goal is to help boaties gain the knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves safe from potential harm due to illness or injury while on the water.

How Can I Get Certified?

In order to receive certification in coastal and offshore medical training, you need to attend a classroom course. The coastal medic course is a 2 day course and is the prerequisite to offshore medic. These courses provide comprehensive instruction in a variety of topics including CPR, first aid, patient assessment, shock management, wound care, bone fractures, dislocation care and much more.

After completing these courses successfully, students will receive official certification which is valid for two years after completion date so it’s important to stay up-to-date with your certifications if you plan on spending lots of time at sea!

There are four courses that Coastguard Boating Education offer which are beneficial for any boating family but especially if you are planning to take the vessel offshore:

1. In Water Survival | 1 day classroom course

This course is intended to promote safety amongst recreational boaties. The course focuses on safety equipment which should be carried on any vessel. The purpose is to understand the potential risks aboard a small vessel, the best safety equipment to carry, how it functions, and how to properly use it. This course includes a practical, in-water component.

2. Coastal Medic | 2 day classroom course

An intermediate course for coastal boating within 24 hours of assistance. This course covers modules:

3. Offshore Medic | 1 day classroom course

An advanced course for offshore skippers and crew to detail the management of medical/trauma emergencies on-board in an offshore marine environment. You will need to have completed the coastal medic to attend this course.

It covers 2 modules; trauma management and medical management. The trauma management covers:

Advanced airway management

Fluid resuscitation

Common on-board injuries

Radio support options

Offshore medical kit content review

The medical management covers:

Medical management

Medical assessment

Symptomatic treatment

Administration of medicines

Advanced wound closure

4. Advanced Sea Survival | 2 day classroom course

A comprehensive course to cater for coastal and offshore crews. Required for Category 1 certificates. The course offers detailed knowledge and practical competence in sea survival techniques and equipment. This course includes a practical, in-water component.

Understanding Emergency Protocols

Along with medical training it is essential that you have an understanding of emergency protocols. Knowing how to make a distress call or contact the Coastguard can be the difference between life and death in a critical situation. Additionally, being able to properly use safety equipment such as flares or life rafts may be necessary in order to survive an accident at sea. It's important for boat owners or operators to know what types of safety gear are required by law (such as personal locator beacons) as well as any other items that might be useful in an emergency situation (such as flashlights or radios).

Heading Offshore?

Offshore medical training is an essential component of any cruising experience or boat ownership journey. If you plan to leave from NZ and travel offshore you will be required to hold a category 1 certification and this can only be gained once you have your offshore medic. Not only does this give you a great knowledge base, you will also have peace of mind knowing that you have all the tools necessary should something unexpected happen while out on the water and nobody wants that! Be sure you are up-to-date with your knowledge and preparedness when heading out on your next voyage!

Book a Course

To book a course simply head over to www.boatingeducation.org.nz . You can book online or email us at bookings@boatingeducation.org.nz . If you want to discuss things in more detail please call the team who will be happy to help on 0800 40 80 90.