D19 – Medical First Aid (STCW VI/4‑1)
Course Purpose
The Medical First Aid course trains seafarers to respond safely, promptly, and effectively to medical emergencies on board. The program fully complies with the requirements of STCW Regulation VI/4‑1 and is based on IMO Model Course 1.14. It is intended for all crew members who may be required to provide initial medical assistance before professional medical help becomes available or before radio‑medical advice is established.
Course Description
Participants acquire essential knowledge and practical skills needed to recognize medical emergencies, provide immediate care to injured or ill persons, and safely use first‑aid equipment on board. Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:
• perform immediate first‑aid measures in cases of accidents or sudden illness
• recognize and manage injuries to the head, neck, and spine
• correctly treat fractures, dislocations, and muscular injuries
• control bleeding and stabilize an injured person
• provide care in cases of burns, poisoning, choking, drowning, and cardiac emergencies
• conduct a full assessment and evaluation of a patient
• apply and follow radio‑medical instructions
The course is designed to give seafarers the confidence, competence, and readiness required to act effectively in demanding situations at sea.
Course Content
• Immediate action in emergency situations
• First‑aid equipment and supplies on board
• Structure and functions of the human body
• Risks and hazards of poisoning on board
• Patient assessment and evaluation
• Spinal injuries
• Burns, scalds, and the effects of heat and cold
• Fractures, dislocations, and muscular injuries
• Medical care of rescued persons (distress, hypothermia, exposure to cold)
• Radio‑medical advice
• Basics of pharmacology
• Sterilization and hygiene procedures
• Cardiac arrest, drowning, choking
• Psychological and psychiatric issues on board
• Final assessment and evaluation
Entry Requirements
• Certificate of Basic Safety Training D2
• Valid ID card or passport
• Two personal photo
MINISTRY OF THE SEA, TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE
STCW and IMO Standards
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), established in 1978, sets global minimum requirements for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers. Its purpose is to ensure that all signatory states maintain uniform and internationally recognized safety and competency standards.
Key Features of the STCW Convention
• Minimum training standards: including survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, first aid, and other essential safety skills
• Certification: seafarers must undergo standardized certification processes to demonstrate compliance
• Watchkeeping standards: ensuring safe and effective operation of ships
• Periodic renewal: certificates must be regularly updated to maintain current knowledge and skills
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) oversees the implementation of the STCW Convention and ensures that member states comply with the established standards.
Key Features of IMO Standards
• Approval processes: ensuring that certificates meet STCW requirements
• Regular reviews and updates: aligning standards with technological and operational advancements
• Cooperation with member states: supporting consistent application of STCW training and certification standards