COMMON RED FLAGS WHEN CHOOSING A PROVIDERBefore deciding on a specific kit from a particular provider, there are certain things to consider.
As we’re dealing with medication, you need to ensure that your supplier is licensed, as this will tell you whether they can deliver a safe solution. Purchase of medicines and medical devices of any kind through unregulated and unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all cost. You should also be asking:
How do you communicate product recalls? Can the kit vendor tell you exactly how they track the items they have provided to you, so they can quickly communicate to you in the event of a product recall?
Does the kit include medicines that require refrigeration? Very few yachts have the ability (or process in place) to safely stow and maintain medicines requiring refrigeration. If you have concerns, ask the medical kit vendor if they can recommend an alternative medication that does not require refrigeration.
SO, WHICH SUPERYACHT MEDICAL KIT DO I NEED? The legal compliance requirements your yacht falls under depends on your flag state and most flag states reference MSN 1905, according to the categories below:
MCA Category A Medical Kit: Vessels with no limitation on length of voyage i.e. Atlantic crossings or cruising around the Caribbean. Suggested MedAire kit:
Global 10, 20, 30 or 40 plus oxygen kit (Adjusted to size of crew)
MCA Category B Medical Kit: Vessels who stay within 150 nautical miles from the nearest port with adequate medical equipment. Suggested MedAire kit:
Global 10, 20, 30 or 40 plus oxygen kit (Adjusted to size of crew)
MCA Category C Medical Kit: Vessels who stay close to shore. Suggested MedAire kit:
Offshore kit
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MEDICAL KIT AND PROVIDER
Other expectations of your medical kit/provider should include:
- Product expiration dates
- Ease of international supply and support capability
- Compliance of products against statutory regulations and legislative recommendations
- Simplicity of item use by non medical professionals
- Availability to connect to a provider who knows your kit and can advise accordingly
- Logical arrangement of kits, enabling swift usage
- Waterproof, hardwearing bags
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT AND NEEDSMedAire also has a dedicated team that provides consultations for bespoke solutions i.e. a refit that is considering medical facilities within their design.
Our team has worked collaboratively with many forward-thinking clients on a range of medical projects, including: bespoke medical rooms, hyperbaric chambers, covid testing equipment and everything in between! Contact us below to find out more.
FIND OUT MORE
The planning and execution of MedAire medical kits are the result of over 35 years of experience within remote medicine. With the MedAire solution, you’re not only ensuring that a box has been ticked, but that your crew has the best possible equipment and medication to effectively manage injury and illness onboard.
To find out more,
contact us here to speak to a member of the team.