The U.S. Coast Guard has adopted a new policy governing medical training as required under the International Maritime Organization's Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, or STCW.
Under NMC Policy Letter 9-99, personnel required to obtain such training must advance through four levels, all of which are available at AMO's Raymond T. McKay Center for Advanced Maritime Officers' Training and RTM Simulation, Training, Assessment and Research Center adjacent to union headquarters in Dania Beach.
The required courses, in sequence, are:
Elementary First Aid, USCG Level 1, STCW Basic Safety Training Program Module. This is a one-day course that meets the minimum mandatory requirement related to medical first aid and basic safety training for all seafarers. It is considered to be part of STCW Basic Safety Training and is a prerequisite to 24-Hour Medical Care Provider.
Medical Care Provider, USCG Level 2, STCW Standard of Competence for Seafarers Designated to Provide Medical First Aid Aboard Ship. This is a three-day, 24-hour course that meets all requirements. It is required of all officers in charge of a navigational watch as well as officers in charge of an engineering watch. Completion of Elementary First Aid is required before enrolling in this class.
Medical Person In Charge (Medical PIC) USCG Levels 3 and 4, STCW Standard of Competence for Seafarers Designated to the Charge of Medical Care Onboard. This course is required of every person designated to take charge of medical care onboard ship and of "Masters and Chief Mates of ships of 500 gross tonnage or more." Completion of Medical Care Provider is required before enrolling in this course.
AMO members seeking additional information are asked to call Medical Training Instructor Mary Ellen Rosen, RN, at Center for Advanced Maritime Officers' Training, 1-800-942-3220, Ext. 7175. For course registration information, call CAMOT Office of Student Services at 1-800-942-3220, Ext. 7112.
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