If you spend time cruising, racing, day sailing, or adventuring offshore, the knowledge you’ll gain in this Advanced First Aid/CPR for Mariners course will be an essential part of your tool kit.

This program teaches all the essentials of CPR and first aid, specifically tailored to the maritime environment. You’ll learn about the most common types of boating injuries, preventative strategies, and sailing techniques to stay safe on the water. Additionally, we explore maritime-specific considerations not commonly taught in standard first aid courses. This program is accredited by World Sailing, US Sailing, and the US Coast Guard (see below for specific certifications and accreditations). There are no prerequisites to register for this course.

Locations (Click to see available dates)

Certifications & Accreditations

  • Basic and Advanced First Aid for Mariners certification, valid for 2 years

  • CPR: AED Adult/Child/Infant certification, valid for 2 years 

  • This course can be taken as a Wilderness First Responder-Refresher course for those holding a current WFR Certification or within 1 year of expiration, valid for 2 years

  • World Sailing Offshore Special Regulation (OSR 6.05) Medical Training requirement

  • US Sailing Senior First Aid requirement

  • United States Coast Guard accredited

Curriculum & Objectives

  • Manage risk through pre-trip planning and preventative techniques: first aid kits, pre-trip medical assessments, travel medicine, telemedicine.

  • Assess and treat life threatening emergencies: CPR, patient assessment, airway management, hemorrhage control, shock, and stabilization.

  • Practice common trauma management techniques: wounds and fractures, head injuries, neck and spine injuries, blunt trauma, burns, dental and eye traumas.

  • Develop important judgment skills for the assessment and evacuation of medical and environmental emergencies at sea: hypothermia, heat illness, marine animal bites and stings, dive emergencies, lightning at sea, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, diabetes, seizures, anaphylaxis.

Per the United States Coast Guard: Any applicant who successfully completes your Heartsaver First Aid with CPR AED (AMERHA-216) course will satisfy the following requirements: Elementary First Aid per STCW Code Table A-VI/1-3; Elementary First Aid per 46 CFR 11.302(a)(3) and 46 CFR 12.602(a)(3); The first aid and CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1); and all elective sections of your Heartsaver First Aid with CPR AED (AMERHA-216) must be given.

Want to take the first step into maritime medicine?

Begin learning today with our Maritime Medicine Online curriculum, which provides full access to the lecture videos assigned in preparation for all of our programs. This is a great place to start or refresh your skills, as the online program gives you 24/7 access to our instructional video series and resources that can help you stay safe on the water. Additionally, you can apply the cost of this course as a credit toward any of our in-person programs.