Marine First Aid Kit (Coastal up to 12 nm) – Medic 0 Case

This first aid kit, known as “Medic 0,” is assembled in accordance with safety requirements for vessels operating within 12 nautical miles of the coast. It contains carefully selected medical supplies aimed at enabling initial treatment of the most common injuries and emergencies that might occur on board.

Inside the kit, you will find a triangular bandage (sling) for immobilizing an arm or shoulder in case of fracture or sprain, sterile gauze pads and bandages for dressing wounds, a small box of cotton (5 g) and a roll of medical adhesive tape (5 m x 1.25 cm) for securing dressings. Additionally, there is a set of assorted adhesive plasters (band-aids) in various sizes for small cuts and abrasions, a small pair of scissors (approximately 10 cm, plastic-handled) for cutting bandages or clothing, and a pair of protective gloves (one size fits all) to safeguard the person administering first aid. The kit also includes a few antiseptic wipes (3 pieces pre-moistened with disinfectant) for wound cleaning, as well as a mini first aid manual with basic instructions for emergency care.

All these components are neatly packed in a sturdy plastic case. The case is water-resistant and seals tightly to keep the contents protected from moisture and splashes – a crucial feature in the marine environment. With dimensions of about 13 x 18 x 7 cm, it doesn’t take up much space and can be easily stored on board: in a small cabinet, under a seat, or in a waterproof bag. The case is typically bright red or orange and clearly marked “FIRST AID,” making it easy to identify quickly in an emergency.

The "Medic 0" kit meets the official standards for boats operating near the shore. For example, under Italian regulations, a Medic 0 kit fulfills the requirements for on-board first aid on voyages up to 12 nm. While specific national regulations may vary, this kit provides a solid base of supplies for small and medium vessels. It’s worth noting that due to regulations the kit does not include any medications (pills or liquids) – it contains only medical consumables and tools. Nevertheless, these supplies are sufficient for administering first aid: cleaning and dressing wounds, stopping bleeding, immobilizing a limb, etc., until the injured person can receive professional medical care.

For the kit to be truly effective, it is recommended that the boat’s crew is familiar with its contents and basic first aid techniques. It’s also wise to regularly check the kit – consumables that expire (such as sterile dressings or antiseptics) should be replaced in a timely manner. Having a well-equipped first aid kit on board can significantly reduce the severity of incidents on the boat and potentially save lives in critical situations while waiting for professional medical assistance or reaching shore.

• Requirement: For commercial vessels and charter yachts in coastal waters, a kit of this type is mandatory under maritime law. Owners of private yachts and boats should also carry at least a basic first aid kit – the safety of crew and passengers is paramount.
• Emergencies: The kit is invaluable for common onboard injuries – e.g., a cut from a fishing hook or knife, a bruise or scrape from a fall on deck, a burn from touching hot engine parts, and even for initial response to seasickness or dehydration. It enables treatment that can prevent a bad situation from worsening.
• Additions: Although the kit doesn’t include medicines, owners can separately bring a small pouch of personal medications (for example, pain relievers, seasickness pills, antihistamines, etc.) – just ensure they are stored separately and clearly labeled. Adding these personal items can complement the Medic 0 kit to tailor it to your crew’s needs.
• Accessibility: Make sure everyone on board knows where the first aid kit is stored and how to open it quickly. In an emergency, every second counts – easy access to the kit and awareness of its contents can speed up the response and treatment significantly.