The vast, unpredictable expanse of the world’s oceans has long presented challenges to mariners, from harsh weather conditions to life-threatening medical emergencies. For centuries, captains and crews had to rely on limited knowledge, intuition, and rudimentary tools to manage health crises far from shore.

Maritime medicine, or the medical care of seafarers, has existed for as long as people have sailed across the oceans. Ancient sailors faced numerous health threats, including scurvy, which was caused by vitamin C deficiency and led to a high mortality rate on long voyages. The discovery that citrus fruits could prevent scurvy, made by British naval surgeon James Lind in the 18th century, marked a pivotal moment in maritime medicine. However, it was only the beginning of understanding the complex medical challenges at sea. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the development of international maritime regulations began to shape medical practices at sea. Early on, a ship’s surgeon or a medically trained officer was expected to handle a wide range of emergencies, often with little more than basic training and limited medical supplies.However, by the mid-20th century, the world of international shipping had grown exponentially. The shipping industry’s need for a formalized and standardized approach to health care at sea became increasingly clear.

The Ship Captains Medical Course (SCMC)

This led to the introduction of the The Ship Captains Medical Course (SCMC) which was introduced in the mid 20th century, as a specialized training program designed for individuals in charge of ships, particularly captains, to equip them with the medical knowledge necessary to address health issues on board. The course was developed in response to the growing demands of the maritime industry, which required better preparation for handling medical emergencies during long voyages. The course typically includes a combination of theoretical and practical instruction, focusing on a range of medical topics, from basic first aid to the management of more complex conditions that might arise while at sea. 

Topics covered in the SCMC include:

Basic First Aid and Life Support: The core of the SCMC includes first response procedures, CPR & defibrilation, wound care, and managing injuries from accidents on board.

Medical Emergencies at Sea: Mariners are trained to identify and handle medical emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory distress, and severe allergic reactions. Specific protocols are provided for conditions that might arise while out of port, like infectious diseases, gastrointestinal issues, or mental health crises.

Maritime-Specific Medical Conditions: Managing seasickness, dealing with the effects of long-term confinement, and preventing infections, including those caused by exposure to sea water, and bites and stings. 

Shipboard Medical Supplies: The use of medical kits, equipment, and medications available on the ship. In many cases, the ship’s medicine chest will have to suffice for an extended period, so proper use of available resources is vital.

Telemedicine and Remote Consultations: With advancements in technology, telemedicine has become a critical tool for medical advice at sea, you will learn how to access medical consultations via radio or satellite systems, ensuring that professional guidance can be obtained for prevention of illness and ongoing support during a medical incident. 

Mental Health and Well-being: Crew learn how to recognize signs of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and how to manage them effectively, either through available treatments or by reaching out for remote counseling.

The Ship Captains Medical Guide (SCMG)

In conjunction with the medical training courses, the Ship Captains Medical Guide (SCMG) plays a crucial role in supporting the medical knowledge of seafarers. 

The book, now on its 24th edition, is typically edited by a team of experts with extensive knowledge in maritime medicine, emergency care, and the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern medical care on ships. A key person leading the editing is Dr Spike Briggs, Founder and current MD of Medical Support Offshore (MSOS). 

The SCMG is a vital comprehensive reference document, offering practical advice for handling conditions when professional medical help is not immediately available. The guide is usually designed to be easy to use in stressful situations, often featuring clear instructions in flow charts, diagrams, and dosage recommendations.

Key components of the Ship Captains Medical Guide include:

• Medical Protocols: The guide includes step-by-step instructions on how to treat common injuries and illnesses, including fractures, burns, cuts, and wounds. It also addresses chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, providing information on managing these conditions with available resources.

• Drug Dosage Information: One of the most important aspects of the SCMG is its detailed drug formulary. It offers guidance on the medications available aboard the ship, including correct dosages, side effects, and contraindications. This is essential because many crew members may not be medically trained, but they must know how to administer medication in an emergency.

• Emergency Procedures: The SCMG outlines emergency procedures for more complex medical issues like heart attacks, strokes, or severe allergic reactions. It also provides clear guidelines for the safe evacuation of ill or injured crew members if the need arises.

• Infectious Diseases: The guide addresses the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infectious diseases that can spread easily in close quarters, such as food-borne illnesses, respiratory infections, and even more serious conditions like tuberculosis or COVID-19.

• Telemedicine Integration: Modern SCMGs also integrate telemedicine services, guiding the captain or medical officer on how to connect with land-based medical professionals, share vital health data, and receive guidance on difficult cases.

Conclusion

The Ship Captains Medical Course and the Ship Captains Medical Guide are integral to ensuring the well-being of those who spend extended periods on the world’s oceans. These resources have not only made maritime medicine more accessible but also more effective, ensuring that captains and crew can manage health emergencies confidently and competently, even in the most challenging of circumstances. The Ship Captains Medical Course and Guide will remain central to the health and safety of seafarers, protecting lives on the high seas for years to come.

I have proudly run the Ship Captains Medical Course, and update course and MFA and EFA courses in different worldwide locations for 10 years. I focus on running a very yacht focused, hands on, simulation based course with zero expectations (apart from partaking) and encourage students to share their stories as well as sharing my own from my time at sea, which brings a wealth of real life experiences into the learning. 

I believe the Ship Captains Medical Course is beneficial for anyone with a keen interest in maritime safety, not just captains.