Medical & Safety

Medical preparedness for offshore sailors

When you are 200 miles offshore, the nearest physician is a radio call away — and possibly a helicopter ride in deteriorating weather. These guides cover what to carry, what to know, and how to get help when you need it.

Advanced

The Offshore Medical Kit: What to Carry and When to Use It

The further offshore you sail, the more self-sufficient you must be. A practical framework for wound care, medications, dental emergencies, and the diagnostic tools that belong on every bluewater boat.

  • Wound care
  • Medications
  • Dental kit
  • Diagnostic tools
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Beginner

Seasickness: Prevention, Treatment, and Getting Your Sea Legs

What actually causes motion sickness, why most people adapt within 72 hours if they persist, and the full spectrum of interventions — from Scopolamine patches to the rules for keeping a sick crew member safe.

  • Prevention
  • Scopolamine
  • OTC options
  • Crew safety
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Advanced

Hypothermia and Cold Water Immersion: The Offshore Sailor's Greatest Threat

Cold water kills faster than most sailors realize. Understanding the 1-10-1 rule, the HELP position, the stages of hypothermia, and how to dress for the water temperature — not the air.

  • Cold shock
  • HELP position
  • Survival suits
  • 1-10-1 rule
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Intermediate

EPIRBs, PLBs, and Distress Signals: How to Get Rescued at Sea

Understanding EPIRB vs. PLB vs. SART, how the Cospas-Sarsat network works, why registration matters, and the complete MAYDAY protocol every offshore sailor must know cold.

  • EPIRB
  • PLB
  • MAYDAY protocol
  • Visual signals
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Educational content only. The articles in this section are written for general educational purposes and are not a substitute for formal medical training. Offshore sailors are strongly encouraged to complete a Wilderness First Aid (WFA), Wilderness First Responder (WFR), or STCW Basic Safety Training course before undertaking extended passages. No article replaces hands-on instruction from qualified medical educators.