On January 24, 2025, the International Maritime Health Foundation held in Alicante, Spain, its 7th Workshop on Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) to evaluate and update the medical training requirements outlined under the STCW Code. Experts from the maritime and medical fields gathered to conduct a thematic analysis of the current standards and determine if the course content need updating.
Among the participants who attended this workshop included Dr. Nebojsa Nikolic (IMHF), Dr. Spike Briggs (Medical Support Offshore Ltd.), Gina Kim Jihyeon (International Transport Federation), Capt. Ian Power (National Maritime College of Ireland, Munster Technological University), Dr. Klaus Seidenstuecker (IMHF) and Capt. Bill Kavanagh (IMHF).
The workshop highlighted inconsistencies in medical training terminology and competency requirements, emphasizing the need for modernization. Key recommendations included incorporating practical skill assessments in Elementary First Aid, integrating telemedicine and mental health awareness into Medical First Aid, and significantly updating Medical Care training to enhance sepsis awareness, record-keeping, and emergency communication.
A revised set of competency tables were drafted and will undergo final review in the coming weeks. Workshop participants stressed the importance of aligning training with current medical standards to better equip seafarers for onboard medical emergencies. Further discussions are planned to address additional medical training gaps within the STCW Code.