STCW (MCA) Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Care

This course will enable personnel to conduct medical procedures on board while in remote locations in accordance with STCW Convention and Code 1978, as amended, Section A-VI/4-1.

If you are a candidate for Master or Chief Mate certification under STCW Convention regulation II/2, or, if you are designated to take charge of medical care onboard a ship, you must, in addition to Proficiency in Medical First Aid, successfully complete an MCA-approved Proficiency in Medical Care training course, meeting the standards laid down in section A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code.

This course moves on from Medical First Aid and concentrates on teaching medical diagnosis using a combination of symptom observation and the Ship's Captain Medical Guide, enabling the student to be the eyes and ears of the doctor at the end of the radio.

The course is a mixture of classroom theory sessions and practical exercises with self-study for preparation for the next day. 

Core Activities

• Focus on teaching longer term medical care of casualties using the contents of the Category A Medical Kit
• Minor surgical procedures such as suturing and catheterisation
• Urine testing and the administering of injections
• Theory lectures balanced with practical scenarios
• Simulated ship’s medical room and live ‘casualties’ (actors) increase the sense of realism

Core Modules: Medical Care on Board 

• Physiology
• Taking a medical history - measurement of vital signs with a view to making a diagnosis
• Cardiovascular and respiratory systems
• Trauma management
• ENT and ophthalmology
• Communicable diseases
• Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
• Medications
• Use of clean and sterile techniques
• Setting up intravenous fluid infusions
• Insertion of urinary catheter
• Suturing and parenteral administration of drugs
• Methods of casualty transfer

DDRC Professional Services is committed to the delivery of high quality training and support to our clients. We pride ourselves on listening to our client’s requirements and providing cost effective, high quality solutions tailored to client needs. DDRC Professional Services operates to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. The procedures employed conform to client and company requirements and ensure the health, safety and welfare of all clients, preventing exposure to unacceptable risk.

You must be conversant with current first aid practices before attending this course. For those who have not had recent first aid training, we recommend undertaking either some refresher training or personal study to achieve a good standard.

For the issue of a Certificate of Proficiency in Medical Care attendees must have:

• Successfully completed an MCA-approved training programme in Medical First Aid, meeting the standards of competency specified in section A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code

Quote from a student March 2025:

Could I please pass on my thanks to the training team which presented a hugely enjoyable week.  The team clearly have passion for the centre and could not be more accommodating and welcoming clearly going above and beyond what was expected to ensure everyone was able to get everything possible out of the course.  The variety of knowledge and experience created an even better learning environment.

The facilities are second to none.  In my normal job role I attend courses across the country and the facilities at DDRC are exceptional.  

Recertification is required every 5 years, either by attending a 3 day Updated Proficiency in Medical Care or by attending the full 5 day Proficiency in Medical Care Course.

After successfully completing an MCA-approved training programme in Proficiency in Medical Care training course, you will meet the standards of competency laid down in section A-VI/4-2 of the STCW Code.