STCW (MCA) Proficiency in Medical Care Refresher

This course will enable personnel to continue to conduct medical procedures on board while in remote locations in accordance with STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended, Section A-VI/4-2. 

The classroom-based course is delivered as a combination of theory sessions and practical exercises.

Core Activities

• Focus on teaching longer term medical care of casualties using the contents of the Category A Medical Kit
• Minor surgical procedures such as suturing and catheterisation
• Urine testing and the administering of injections
• Theory lectures balanced with practical scenarios
• Simulated ship’s medical room and live ‘casualties’ (actors) increase the sense of realism

Core Modules: Medical Care on Board 

• Physiology
• Taking a medical history - measurement of vital signs with a view to making a diagnosis
• Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• Trauma management
• ENT and ophthalmology
• Communicable diseases
• Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
• Medications
• Use of clean and sterile techniques
• Setting up intravenous fluid infusions
• Insertion of urinary catheter
• Suturing and parenteral administration of drugs
• Methods of casualty transfer

The course is intensive in nature and will require a certain amount of self-study in the evenings in preparation for the next day. A good working knowledge of the Ship’s Captain Medical Guide and MSN 1905 (Ships Medical Stores) prior to course commencement would be highly advantageous, as would knowledge of the current provision for medical care on your vessel.

DDRC Professional Services is committed to the delivery of high quality training and support to our clients. We pride ourselves on listening to our client’s requirements and providing cost effective, high quality solutions tailored to client needs. DDRC Professional Services operates to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. The procedures employed conform to client and company requirements and ensure the health, safety and welfare of all clients, preventing exposure to unacceptable risk.

You must hold either a Proficiency in Medical Care Certificate or an Updated Proficiency in Medical Care Certificate.

Documentary evidence of meeting these prerequisites will be required.

Recertification is required every 5 years, either by attending a 3 day Updated Proficiency in Medical Care or by attending the full 5 day Proficiency in Medical Care Course.

After successfully completing an MCA-approved training programme in Updated Proficiency in Medical Care training course, you will meet the standards of competency laid down in section A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code.