MNTB First Aid and Medical Courses Criteria, 2nd Edition

This publication provides the criteria for the development of courses to deliver training in elementary first aid, medical first aid and medical care on board ship.


Training courses developed in line with these criteria, delivered at centres approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), will cover:

-Elementary first aid (section 2)

-Medical first aid (section 3)

-Medical care (section 4)

-Medical care updating training (section 5) – an EU-specific requirement for service on EU registered vessels


The specifications described in this document have been developed by the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) in conjunction with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The MCA has agreed with the MNTB that the specifications described in this document will satisfy the requirements for approved training. Conditions for MCA approval of short courses are contained in Annex A, which should be used in conjunction with the MCA guide to approval of regulatory training requirements.



The national occupational standards relating to this training are:

-A16 – Provide medical services on board a vessel

-There is also a suite of Maritime Studies Qualifications which contain units relevant to this training; the specific units are:

-Emergency first aid in response to maritime accidents or medical emergencies

-Provide medical first aid on board a vessel

-Take charge of medical care on board a vessel