Advanced first aid for commercial vessels. Be the ship’s designated medical officer.
4 Days
07 SEP 2026
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/4-2 Refresher
Legal codes this course fulfills under maritime law
Suitable For
Certified crew needing renewal
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
Advanced
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
3 Days
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 years
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
Mandatory refresher for crew responsible for onboard medical care. Keeps your STCW Medical Care certificate valid and ensures you’re ready to act in medical emergencies at sea.
What You’ll
Learn
Advanced Shipboard First Response
Refresh your ability to assess and stabilise serious injuries and illnesses during extended passages.
Use of Medical Equipment Onboard
Review procedures for using defibrillators, stretchers, oxygen systems, and ship medical kits in emergency scenarios.
Remote Medical Consultation Protocols
Practise communicating with Telemedical Assistance Services (TMAS) and following treatment guidance at sea.
Wound Management & Patient Monitoring
Update practical skills for treating burns, fractures, infections, and managing ongoing care before evacuation or recovery.
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
Minimum age
18 years old
Valid Medical Care (A-VI/4-2) certificate required
Certificate must be issued by a maritime authority of an IMO White List country
Expired Medical Care certificates are accepted for refresher (full course must have been completed once)
Certificates without an issue date require completing the full Medical Care course
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the Medical Care Refresher (MC Updating) course?
Medical Care Refresher is an STCW-required update for seafarers who already hold a Medical Care (MC) certificate and need to maintain legal compliance. It refreshes advanced medical knowledge and practical skills needed to manage serious medical situations at sea.
Who issues and recognises the Medical Care Refresher certificate?
The certificate is issued under Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) standards and complies with STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. MCA approval ensures international recognition by flag states, yacht operators, insurers, and maritime authorities.
Who is required to take the MC Refresher?
The MC Refresher is required for masters, chief mates, and officers designated with medical responsibility onboard whose Medical Care certificate is approaching expiry. Without a valid refresher, the original MC certificate is no longer compliant.
Is there an exam for the Medical Care Refresher?
Yes. The course includes a written exam assessing advanced medical decision-making, diagnostics, medications, and emergency procedures. Questions are scenario-based and reflect real onboard medical responsibilities.
Is there a practical assessment?
Yes. You’ll be assessed during practical medical scenarios, including patient assessment, use of medical equipment, medication administration, and management of prolonged care situations. The focus is on accuracy, judgement, and safe practice.
What happens if I fail the exam or 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 aim is to ensure continued medical competence, not to penalise candidates.
How important is English for the MC Refresher course?
English is essential — both written and verbal. You must understand complex medical terminology, complete written exams in English, and communicate clearly during practical scenarios and with shore-based medical support in real emergencies.