Why the onboard first aid kit is critical
At sea there are no pharmacies or hospitals accessible within minutes. A wound, a burn, severe seasickness, or an allergic reaction can become an emergency if you do not have the proper supplies to provide initial care.
Most maritime jurisdictions require a first aid kit on board, with contents that vary by navigation zone and distance from shore. But beyond the legal obligation, a complete and well-maintained first aid kit is a matter of common sense and responsibility toward your crew.
Regulations: first aid kits by navigation zone
Specific requirements vary by country. In Europe, the Spanish Real Decreto 1185/2006 and similar regulations in other EU states define what medical equipment is mandatory. The US Coast Guard and other national authorities have their own standards. Generally, the farther offshore you travel, the more comprehensive your kit must be.
Offshore / Ocean sailing (unlimited range)
The most complete kit: - Everything from the coastal kit - Prescription medications (antibiotics, strong painkillers) - Suture material - A medical guide for use at sea - Access to radio medical consultation (e.g., CIRM / Coast Guard radio medical)
Coastal navigation (up to 60 miles from shore)
Complete medical kit: - Full wound care supplies - Basic medications with and without prescription - Antihistamines, anti-nausea, painkillers, anti-inflammatories - Eye drops, burn cream - Scissors, tweezers, thermometer
Near-coastal navigation (up to 12-25 miles)
Basic kit: - Sterile gauze, bandages, adhesive tape - Disinfectant (povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine) - Painkillers (acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen) - Anti-seasickness medication (dimenhydrinate or meclizine) - Scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves
Sheltered waters (up to 5 miles / protected waters)
Simplified kit with basic wound care supplies and painkillers.
Recommended contents for a complete first aid kit
Beyond what regulations require, a well-equipped kit should include:
Wound care supplies
- Sterile gauze pads in various sizes (2x2", 4x4")
- Elastic bandages (2" and 4" wide)
- Self-adhesive cohesive bandages (ideal for fingers)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Assorted adhesive bandages, including butterfly closures for cuts
- Large adhesive dressings for wide wounds
- Saline solution in single-dose vials (for wound and eye washing)
- Hemostatic dressing (Celox or QuikClot) for significant bleeding
Disinfectants and antiseptics
- Povidone-iodine (Betadine) or chlorhexidine in a small bottle
- Hydrogen peroxide (for cleaning, not deep disinfection)
- Individual alcohol wipes
Basic medications (over-the-counter)
- Painkillers: acetaminophen 500-1,000 mg and ibuprofen 400-600 mg
- Antihistamines: cetirizine or loratadine for allergic reactions and stings
- Anti-nausea: dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or meclizine for seasickness
- Topical anti-inflammatory: diclofenac or ibuprofen gel
- Burn cream: silver sulfadiazine or similar
- Eye drops: artificial tears for salt or sun irritation
- Sunscreen: SPF50+ water resistant
- Insect repellent: for anchorages in coves with mosquitoes
Prescription medications (offshore navigation)
For offshore passages, consult your doctor about carrying: - Broad-spectrum antibiotics (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) - Strong painkillers (tramadol) - Injectable corticosteroids (for severe allergic reactions) - Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) if any crew member has severe allergies
Instruments
- Blunt-tip scissors (will not stab accidentally with the boat's movement)
- Fine-tip tweezers (for splinters, fishhooks, sea urchin spines)
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable nitrile gloves (at least 4 pairs)
- Emergency thermal blanket
- Triangular bandage (improvised sling)
- Moldable splint for limb immobilization
- Headlamp (for examining wounds in the dark)
Documentation
- Waterproof first aid guide for mariners
- List of medications with dosages and contraindications
- Emergency numbers: local coast guard, radio medical center (VHF channel 16), MRCC
How to organize the first aid kit
Proper container
Use a rigid, watertight case, or at least a bag with a hermetic seal. Humidity and salt are the enemies of medical supplies. Purpose-built marine first aid kits usually have organized compartments and IP67-rated closures.
Clear labeling
Label each compartment by supply type. In an emergency, any crew member should be able to find what they need without searching.
Accessible location
Place the kit in a spot known to all crew members, easy to reach, and protected from direct sunlight. The main cabin or saloon, near the chart table, is a good location. Never store it in a deep locker that is hard to open.
Expiration date management
Medications expire and lose effectiveness. Establish a routine:
- Before each season (March-April): check all expiration dates and replace anything expired
- After each use: immediately replenish whatever you consumed
- Annually: inspect the condition of the container, seals, and packaging
Tip: write the nearest expiration date with a marker on the kit lid as a reminder of when to do the next review.
First aid training
Having a complete kit is useless if you do not know how to use it. Recommendations:
- Basic first aid course: Red Cross and other organizations offer 8-16 hour courses covering the most common emergencies
- Maritime first aid course: specifically for mariners, covering scenarios such as hypothermia, drowning, decompression, and patient transfer on a boat
- CPR practice: knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation can save a life. Practice at least once a year
- Radio medical consultation: familiarize yourself with the procedure for consulting a doctor via VHF channel 16 and the maritime radio medical service
Common emergencies on board and how to act
Cuts and wounds
Cuts are the most frequent injury on board (lines, knives, metal fittings). For a bleeding wound:
- Put on gloves
- Clean with saline solution
- Apply pressure with sterile gauze
- If bleeding does not stop in 10 minutes, consider using a hemostatic dressing
- Close with butterfly bandages if superficial, or consider suturing if deep
Burns
Common from contact with the engine, the galley, or severe sunburn:
- Cool with running fresh water for 10-20 minutes
- Do not burst blisters
- Apply burn cream and cover with gauze
- If the burn is larger than the palm of the hand, seek medical assistance
Seasickness (motion sickness)
Severe seasickness can cause dehydration and exhaustion:
- Administer anti-nausea medication (dimenhydrinate) as soon as possible
- Keep the person on deck, looking at the horizon
- Hydrate with small, frequent sips
- Avoid strong smells (diesel, cooking)
Heat stroke
Dangerous in summer with prolonged sun exposure:
- Move the person into the shade
- Apply cool wet cloths to neck, armpits, and groin
- Hydrate with cool (not ice-cold) water
- If they lose consciousness or exceed 40 degrees C (104 F), it is an emergency: contact rescue services
First aid kit cost
| Type | Contents | Approximate price | |---|---|---| | Sheltered waters | Basic wound care | 30-50 EUR | | Near-coastal (basic) | Wound care + basic medications | 60-100 EUR | | Coastal (complete) | Complete with medications | 120-200 EUR | | Offshore (professional) | Professional with suture supplies | 200-350 EUR |
A complete first aid kit costs less than a dinner in port. Do not cut corners on safety.
