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/1-3
Legal codes this course fulfills under maritime law
Suitable For
All Crew
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
1 Day
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 Years
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
Medical emergencies at sea demand quick thinking and confident action. This STCW course teaches CPR, wound treatment, and vital signs monitoring. It’s a required qualification for all crew working on commercial vessels, superyachts, offshore rigs, and cruise ships.
What You’ll
Learn
Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)
Develop core emergency response skills to manage injuries at sea. The course covers CPR, treating burns, managing bleeding, responding to unconscious casualties, and using first aid equipment under pressure.
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
16 years old
Language Requirement
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
What’s the difference between EFA, MFA, and Medical Care (MC)?
EFA (Elementary First Aid) is the basic level required for all crew and focuses on immediate response to common injuries.
MFA (Medical First Aid) is for officers or designated crew responsible for onboard first aid and goes deeper into assessment and treatment.
Medical Care (MC) is advanced training for senior crew responsible for managing serious medical situations at sea until professional help is available.
Who issues and recognises the EFA certificate?
The EFA certificate is issued under MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) standards and complies with STCW 2010 requirements. MCA approval ensures the qualification is internationally recognised and accepted by flag states, captains, insurers, and crew agencies worldwide.
Do I need medical experience to take this course?
No medical background is required. The course is designed for non-medics working at sea. Training is practical, step-by-step, and focused on realistic onboard scenarios rather than hospital-level procedures.
Is there an exam for Elementary First Aid?
Yes. There is a written test covering key first-aid principles, emergency response procedures, and decision-making. The exam checks understanding of what to do in common maritime medical situations.
Is there a practical assessment?
Yes. You’ll be assessed during hands-on practical exercises, such as CPR, bandaging, casualty handling, and basic patient assessment. Instructors observe technique, safety awareness, and correct response rather than speed or strength.
What happens if I fail the exam or assessment?
If you don’t meet the required standard, you can take a resit. Instructors will explain what needs improvement before the retake. The aim is competence and confidence, not failure.
How important is English for this course?
English is important both spoken and written. You must understand instructions during practical scenarios and complete the written exam in English. Clear communication is essential in medical emergencies at sea, which is why language ability matters.