SUPERYACHT MEDICAL KITS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOUR VESSEL
Selecting a superyacht medical kit can be tricky for non-medical professionals, there is no one-size-fits-all solution and every yacht is unique in their requirements.
The new MSN 1905 regulations mean that many yachts will have to make changes to their kits, introducing new medication and equipment in order to comply with the new rules.
Luckily for MedAire customers, many of the new medications have existed for several years in our standard kit solution so the changes are not extensive, when compared to a basic compliance-only kit. Some yachts, may be taking this opportunity to reevaluate their current needs in regards to onboard supplies and their medical systems and practices.
The information below provides a guideline in order to make these choices and provide your guests and crew with the best possible medical care.
WHERE DO I START?
When considering different medical kit solutions, providers should start by asking you about the following:
The number of crew onboard
Cruising locations
Whether your vessel charters
Specific guest profiles i.e. whether you have elderly guests or children onboard
Activities of crew and guests (for example diving)
Availability and distance to shoreside care or time to evacuation
Your answers to these questions will inform the solution that fits your yacht.
COMMON RED FLAGS WHEN CHOOSING A PROVIDER
Before deciding on a specific kit from a particular provider, there are certain things to consider.
As we’re dealing with medication, you need to ensure that your supplier is licensed, as this will tell you whether they can deliver a safe solution. Purchase of medicines and medical devices of any kind through unregulated and unlicensed vendors should be avoided at all cost. You should also be asking:
How do you communicate product recalls? Can the kit vendor tell you exactly how they track the items they have provided to you, so they can quickly communicate to you in the event of a product recall?
Does the kit include medicines that require refrigeration? Very few yachts have the ability (or process in place) to safely stow and maintain medicines requiring refrigeration. If you have concerns, ask the medical kit vendor if they can recommend an alternative medication that does not require refrigeration.
SO, WHICH SUPERYACHT MEDICAL KIT DO I NEED?
The legal compliance requirements your yacht falls under depends on your flag state and most flag states reference MSN 1905, according to the categories below:
MCA Category A Medical Kit: Vessels with no limitation on length of voyage i.e. Atlantic crossings or cruising around the Caribbean. Suggested MedAire kit: Global 10, 20, 30 or 40 plus oxygen kit (Adjusted to size of crew)
MCA Category B Medical Kit: Vessels who stay within 150 nautical miles from the nearest port with adequate medical equipment. Suggested MedAire kit: Global 10, 20, 30 or 40 plus oxygen kit (Adjusted to size of crew)
MCA Category C Medical Kit: Vessels who stay close to shore. Suggested MedAire kit: Offshore kit
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A MEDICAL KIT AND PROVIDER
Other expectations of your medical kit/provider should include:
Product expiration dates
Ease of international supply and support capability
Compliance of products against statutory regulations and legislative recommendations
Simplicity of item use by non medical professionals
Availability to connect to a provider who knows your kit and can advise accordingly
Logical arrangement of kits, enabling swift usage
Waterproof, hardwearing bags
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT AND NEEDS
MedAire also has a dedicated team that provides consultations for bespoke solutions i.e. a refit that is considering medical facilities within their design.
Our team has worked collaboratively with many forward-thinking clients on a range of medical projects, including: bespoke medical rooms, hyperbaric chambers, covid testing equipment and everything in between! Contact us below to find out more.
FIND OUT MORE
The planning and execution of MedAire medical kits are the result of over 35 years of experience within remote medicine. With the MedAire solution, you’re not only ensuring that a box has been ticked, but that your crew has the best possible equipment and medication to effectively manage injury and illness onboard.
To find out more, contact us here to speak to a member of the team.
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