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Seafarer documentsSafety and security

Medical first aid (STCW VI/4)

  • STCW VI/4
  • STCW A-VI/4-1
  • Full entry
  • Checked 6 October 2026
Document type
Training certificate
Validity
As shown on the issued document
Names in other countries
17 countries
Contents7

1 What it covers

Medical First Aid (STCW VI/4) evidences training to provide medical first aid following injuries or illness aboard ship. It is needed by seafarers designated to provide medical first aid on board. Validity: as shown on the issued document.1–3

2 What it consists of

The standard of competence is set by table A-VI/4-1 of the Code.1,2

3 Validity and renewal

Document validity. The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates.

Maintaining competence. The STCW Convention sets no refresher interval for this training.2,3

4 Which positions

The need follows from the ship and the duties on board, not from the title of the position. In this reference the document appears in the requirements of these positions:

Show all 26
If you hold one of these certificates

The standard of this training is part of the requirements for the certificates below, so their holders may not have a separate certificate for it. Whether a separate document is needed for a voyage is decided by the flag State and the employer.4–13

Show all 14 certificates

5 Names in 17 countries

How national systems name this document. The original name is given where the source has it; the English name is our editorial rendering.

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
South AfricaMedical first aidIssued by: South African Maritime Safety Authority · source
EgyptMedical first aidIssued by: Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety · source
EstoniaesmaabikoolitusMedical First Aid TrainingIssued by: Transpordiamet · source
PhilippinesCertificate of Proficiency – Medical First AidIssued by: Maritime Industry Authority · source
PortugalCertificado de qualificação para ministrar os primeiros socorros a bordo de navios ou embarcaçõesMedical first aidIssued by: DGRM · source
GhanaMedical 1st AidIssued by: Ghana Maritime Authority · source
Show all 18 countries

Same document

CountryName in the issuing country
Hong KongCertificate of Proficiency in Medical First AidIssued by: Hong Kong Marine Department · source
United StatesMedical First-aid ProviderIssued by: United States Coast Guard, National Maritime Center · source
SwedenGrundläggande utbildning i sjukvårdMedical first aidIssued by: Transportstyrelsen · source
FinlandEnsiapukoulutuksesta annettava lisäpätevyysMedical first aidIssued by: Traficom · source
CanadaMarine Advanced First AidIssued by: Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security · source
New ZealandMedical first aidIssued by: Maritime New Zealand · source
BrazilCurso Especial de Primeiros Socorros MédicosMedical First Aid Training (EPSM)Issued by: Marinha do Brasil, Diretoria de Portos e Costas · source
ArgentinaPrimeros AuxiliosMedical First AidIssued by: Agencia Nacional de Puertos y Navegación; Prefectura Naval Argentina · source
Cook IslandsCertificate of Proficiency in Medical First AidIssued by: Maritime Cook Islands · source
Slovenianujna medicinska pomočMedical First AidIssued by: Uprava Republike Slovenije za pomorstvo · source

Related document

CountryName in the issuing country
NorwayCertificate of proficiency in medical first aidMedical first aidIssued by: Norwegian Maritime Authority / Sjøfartsdirektoratet · source

National name

CountryName in the issuing country
International schemeMedical First Aid (MFA, STCW A-VI/4-1)source

"Related document" is a national document of its own system that relates to this type but is not automatically equal to it.

Same code STCW VI/4: one code is not always one document. The certificate itself and the limitations written in it show which one you hold. Other types under this code: Medical Care on Board Ship1

7 Frequently asked questions

Who needs Medical First Aid?

Seafarers designated to provide medical first aid on board. In this reference it appears in the requirements of 26 positions; whether you need it depends on the ship and your duties.1,2

How long is Medical First Aid valid?

The expiry date, if the issuing system sets one, is shown on the document itself. This reference does not calculate personal expiry dates. The STCW Convention sets no refresher interval for this training.2,3

What else is Medical First Aid called?

Also known as MFA. National names in 17 countries are listed on this page.

Medical First Aid (STCW VI/4): Who Needs It, Validity | Rynda Crewing