Offshore medical preparedness has gotten complicated with all the varying regulations and advice flying around. As someone who has been far offshore with sick crew and no help in sight, I learned everything there is to know about building a medical kit that actually works. Today, I will share it all with you.
Prescription Medications
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Work with a physician who understands offshore medicine to assemble prescription items—and yes, they exist, though you might have to search for one. Antibiotics covering common infections—respiratory, skin, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal—form the core of your kit. Injectable medications may be necessary when oral administration isn’t possible because your patient can’t keep anything down.
Pain management requires serious consideration, more than most cruisers want to think about. Strong analgesics address traumatic injuries but carry legal complications in some countries. Document prescriptions thoroughly and carry copies of physician letters explaining medical necessity. Border officials get twitchy about certain medications, and you want paperwork ready.
Wound Care Supplies
Marine wounds heal poorly. That’s what makes wound care endearing to us offshore sailors—we’ve all learned the hard way that a small cut can become a serious infection. Salt water exposure, limited freshwater for cleaning, and tropical conditions promote infection faster than you’d believe. Stock extensive wound care supplies: irrigation syringes, various bandages, antibiotic ointments, and closure strips or staples for larger wounds.
Suture kits and training to use them give options for significant lacerations. I’ve stitched up crew members in rolling seas, and it’s not something I’d recommend doing without proper instruction. Many cruisers take wilderness medicine courses covering wound closure techniques before heading offshore.
Emergency Equipment
Splinting materials address fractures that can’t receive professional care for days or even weeks. SAM splints conform to various injuries and store flat. Cervical collars may be necessary for spinal precautions after a bad fall. Thoracic seals address penetrating chest injuries—sounds dramatic until you consider what can happen in a knockdown.
Epinephrine auto-injectors address severe allergic reactions. Even if no crew member has known allergies, anaphylaxis can occur unexpectedly from seafood, bee stings, or reactions nobody saw coming. This medication saves lives when professional help is hours or days away.
Medical Training Makes the Difference
A well-stocked kit without training provides limited value—you’re just carrying expensive supplies you don’t know how to use. Wilderness First Responder courses teach assessment and treatment in remote settings. Maritime-specific courses address boat-related injuries and illnesses, from fishhook removals to hypothermia management.
Reference materials—both printed books and digital resources—guide treatment decisions when memory fails under stress. And it will fail; adrenaline does that. Telemedicine services can provide physician consultation via satellite communication when connectivity exists, giving you expert guidance for situations beyond your training.
