Superyacht Medical Training: Why Choose MedAire | Blog

Why is regular medical training for yacht crewmembers important?

As you advance in your yachting career, your medical responsibilities will grow, making it essential to be capable and confident in providing first aid onboard.

With estimates indicating that 60% of learned safety knowledge is lost within six months, maintaining first aid skills requires a combination of regulatory classes plus frequent refreshers and drills.

This blog focuses on the STCW’10 regulatory courses, which MedAire is certified by the MCA to provide onboard your yacht.

STCW medical competency levels

There are three courses set by STCW: Elementary First Aid (EFA), Proficiency in Medical First Aid (PMFA), and Proficiency in Medical Care Onboard (PMCOB).

With MedAire’s unique five-day STCW’10 class, up to 12 crew can upgrade or recertify together onboard your vessel, using your own equipment. Here’s how it works:

Day 1–2: Elementary First Aid (EFA) — Covers first aid basics from CPR to wound management, oxygen administration, and using an AED.

• Anyone may join days 1–2 to obtain or renew EFA.

Day 1–3 (+ e-learning): Proficiency in Medical First Aid (PMFA) — Builds on EFA, including chest pain management and musculoskeletal injuries.

• Participants who have EFA attend days 1–3 plus an e-learning module to receive PMFA.

Day 1–5: Proficiency in Medical Care Onboard (PMCOB) — The highest level, teaching how to manage medical situations and sustain life onboard.

• Those with prior PMFA or PMCOB complete all five days to certify or recertify in PMCOB.

Any crew member may attend the full five days to expand knowledge; certification depends on meeting prerequisites.

Bespoke training courses

Regulatory training is only one aspect of onboard safety and wellbeing. Whether your crew needs a refresher, you have children or elderly guests onboard, or you want to build mental resilience, MedAire can tailor solutions to your needs.

Learn more about our training courses or contact us.

New: You can now purchase training vouchers in our eShop. Log in to the client portal at app.medaire.com and visit the shop.

Why choose MedAire to support crew training?

Our instructors specialise in medical care in remote environments. MedAire training:

• Incorporates your MedAire medical kit so you’re familiar with your own equipment in a real event.
• Uses maritime scenarios for engaging, hands-on learning with ample one-on-one time.
• Is trusted by hundreds of crewmembers every year.

Find out more about our training and contact us to arrange a course.