Medical First Aid

Code medfa · STCW A-VI/4-1

Medical First Aid under STCW A-VI/4-1 — for seafarers designated to provide medical first aid onboard. Patient assessment, immediate trauma and medical emergencies (cardiac, stroke, sepsis, drowning), use of the ship medical guide and TMAS consultation, MEDEVAC coordination. Refresher every five years.

Prerequisites: bst
Duration: 24 hours
Validity: 5 years
Refresher: every 5 years
Typical cost: ~$280 USD

Where to take this course

Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:

Related glossary terms

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Medical First Aid: FAQ

What is the Medical First Aid (MEDFA) certification?: Medical First Aid under STCW A-VI/4-1 — for seafarers designated to provide medical first aid onboard. Patient assessment, immediate trauma and medical emergencies (cardiac, stroke, sepsis, drowning), use of the ship medical guide and TMAS consultation, MEDEVAC coordination. Refresher every five years. Referenced in STCW table A-VI/4-1. Category: STCW Medical.
Who needs MEDFA?: MEDFA applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/4-1. Recommended prerequisites: bst. Without MEDFA, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
How long does MEDFA take?: Typical course duration is 24 hours (3 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 MEDFA cost?: Typical cost is around US$280 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 MEDFA?: MEDFA 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 MEDFA 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.

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Medical First Aid: FAQ

What is the Medical First Aid (MEDFA) certification?

Who needs MEDFA?

MEDFA applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/4-1. Recommended prerequisites: bst. Without MEDFA, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.

How long does MEDFA take?

Typical course duration is 24 hours (3 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 MEDFA cost?

Typical cost is around US$280 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 MEDFA?

MEDFA 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 MEDFA 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.