What this training covers
Marine first aid should be considered differently from ordinary workplace first aid because help may be hours or days away.
RYA's marine First Aid course includes topics relevant to boating such as:
Australian schools may also offer Australian first-aid qualifications or marine medicine courses.
Course names and content vary between schools, and this is a description of the training rather than one school’s syllabus. Check what a particular course actually includes — and on which boat — before booking.
The course in context
First-aid training for sailors considers the practical difficulties of helping someone aboard: limited space, boat movement, a small crew and possible delay before professional assistance arrives. It should complement a recognised first-aid qualification, not rely on a few tips added to an ordinary sailing lesson.
Before you start
Check which certificate you need for your intended qualification, employment or event before choosing a provider. A course accepted for one purpose is not automatically accepted for another. Discuss access needs and the physical requirements of practical assessment in advance.
Skills you will develop
Practical response skills
Learn and demonstrate first-aid techniques with a qualified instructor. A written explanation cannot replace supervised practice and current training.
The boating environment
Discuss situations involving immersion, exposure and confined spaces. The boat’s layout and distance from assistance affect how a crew organises its response.
Requesting help
Practise clear communication and the information needed when seeking medical assistance. Crew coordination matters when someone must also manage navigation and the vessel.
Training and assessment
For example, the RYA offers a one-day boating-focused First Aid course. Australian accredited qualifications and other providers may have different assessment and renewal arrangements. Confirm acceptance with the organisation requiring the certificate.
Questions to ask the school
- Is the certificate accepted for my intended purpose?
- How much hands-on assessment is included?
- When will I need refresher training?
Related learning
Where this sits in the schemes
Training like this is taught both as a named certificate within a scheme and as standalone tuition by independent schools. If you want a certificate at the end, start from the scheme; if you only want the skill, an afternoon with a good instructor may serve you better.
Is this the right training for you right now?
Three questions — have you sailed before, what boat do you want to sail, and what is your goal — give you a starting course and the schools that teach it near you.