- What is the Medical Care (MEDCARE) certification?
- Medical Care under STCW A-VI/4-2 — required of every Master and any officer designated to take charge of medical care onboard. Builds on MEDFA: anatomy and physiology, advanced patient assessment, medication administration including controlled drugs, suturing and minor procedures, ship medical inventory under STCW Code, MEDEVAC and TMAS protocols. Refresher every five years. Referenced in STCW table A-VI/4-2. Category: STCW Medical.
- Who needs MEDCARE?
- MEDCARE applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/4-2. Recommended prerequisites: medfa. Without MEDCARE, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does MEDCARE take?
- Typical course duration is 48 hours (6 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
- How much does MEDCARE cost?
- Typical cost is around US$600 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
- Where can I get MEDCARE?
- MEDCARE is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
- How long is MEDCARE valid?
- 5 years from issue, with a refresher required every 5 years. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.