Medical First Aid (MFA)

Certification
MCA
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
STCW Compliance
A-VI/4-1
Legal codes this course fulfills under maritime law
Suitable For
Officers of the watch
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
Sea service required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
4 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
Lifetime
How long your certificate stays valid

Why This
Course Matters

Essential for crew designated to provide first-line medical assistance on board, this STCW-approved course is a mandatory prerequisite for Medical Care and a key step toward senior certification like OOW.

What You’ll
Learn

Immediate Emergency Response Skills

Apply resuscitation, manage trauma, and stabilise injured or ill crew using proven first aid procedures.

Casualty Assessment & Monitoring

Conduct trauma evaluations, monitor vital signs, and manage head, spinal, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Maritime First Aid Protocols

Learn onboard-specific procedures for bleeding, burns, temperature extremes, poisoning, and shock.

Medical Kit Use & Communications

Gain familiarity with shipboard first aid kits and how to seek radio medical advice effectively.

0
100

What’s Included

Professional-grade medical equipment
Comprehensive course materials
Daily hot lunch
Coffee station and snacks
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start

PREREQUSITES

PREREQUSITES
Minimum age

16 years old

Valid Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3) certificate required

Certificate must be issued by a maritime authority of an IMO White List country

If Elementary First Aid is expired, candidate must have 6 months of documented sea service within the last 5 years or retake the course before enrolling

Meet Your
Instructors

Shemaine Sebastian
Chief Instructor, Health & Safety

A qualified nurse with maritime experience as Safety Officer on cruise ships, Shemaine joined Galileo in 2014. Her medical background and IMO certification make her an expert instructor for medical and safety courses.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Do I have to update / refresh my STCW Medical First Aid (MFA)?

Not usually. Under UK MCA guidance, Medical First Aid refresher is not currently required by the STCW Code for revalidation of UK Certificates of Competency.

How long is the Medical First Aid (MFA) certificate valid for?

With MCA-issued Medical First Aid, the certificate typically does not have an expiry date printed on it. Practically, however, employers may ask for “in-date” medical training (often within 3–5 years) even when the certificate itself doesn’t expire — because onboard medical response relies on current practice, not paperwork.

Who issues and recognises the MFA certificate?

The MFA certificate is issued in accordance with Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards and complies with STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. MCA approval ensures the certificate is internationally recognised by flag states, yacht operators, insurers, and port authorities.

Who is required to take the MFA course?

MFA is required for officers of the watch and crew designated to provide medical first aid onboard. It is commonly mandatory for progression toward officer certification (e.g. OOW pathways) and for senior crew roles on commercial yachts and ships.

Is there an exam for Medical First Aid?

Yes. There is a written exam covering casualty assessment, emergency response, onboard medical procedures, and correct use of medical equipment. The questions focus on realistic maritime medical scenarios rather than theory alone.

Is there a practical assessment?

Yes. You are assessed during practical medical scenarios, including patient assessment, CPR, bleeding control, fracture management, shock treatment, and casualty monitoring. Instructors assess correct procedure, decision-making, and calm response under pressure.

What happens if I fail the exam or practical assessment?

If you do not meet the required standard, you are allowed to take a resit. Instructors will explain what needs improvement before the retake. The goal is to ensure medical competence and confidence, not to exclude candidates.

How important is English for the MFA course?

English is essential — both written and verbal. You must understand medical instructions, communicate clearly during emergency scenarios, complete written exams in English, and be able to relay information accurately during real onboard medical incidents.

Is MFA the same as Medical Care (MC)?

No. MFA prepares you to provide initial medical assistance.
Medical Care (MC) is an advanced course for senior officers responsible for ongoing medical treatment onboard until professional care is available. MFA is usually a prerequisite for MC.

Related courses
and packages

Medical First Aid (MFA)
4 Days
07 SEP 2026