Royal Yachting Association
A one-day course teaching essential first aid skills with a focus on the boating environment.
This is an MCA-approved syllabus and meets the requirements for RYA Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.
RYA Course Description
Accidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rare but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone’s in good hands.
Administering first aid at sea or even just afloat is very different to doing so on land. Because of this, the RYA First Aid course has been specifically developed for water users.
The one-day classroom course is taught by instructors with considerable boating experience. It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
Topics include CPR combined with drowning protocol, bleeding, head injuries, cold water shock and hypothermia, first aid kits, and requesting medical advice or assistance by marine radio.
A little bit of knowledge is useful for all crew members and ideally everyone should do the course. It can be very difficult for just one person to navigate, helm, call for help and resuscitate at the same time!
Course Overview
Recognised Training Centre - WaveRides
Course Length - 1 Day
Course Format - Classroom based
Required experience - None
Minimum age - None
Valid - 3 years
Commercial use
If you work on coded vessels up to Area Category 2 (up to 60 miles from a safe haven), first aid can link into Category C medical stores. The RYA notes that for commercial endorsement holders, accepted first aid options include RYA First Aid and STCW Elementary First Aid, and that if someone is responsible for first aid onboard, the course must cover Category C medical stores as detailed in MSN 1905 (M+F).
What's included?
All the required training equipment will be provided on the day, along with an RYA First Aid Book to take home. A certificate will also be provided on successful completion of the course.
