Healthy and Well on Board – The Essential First Aid Kit for Your Yacht Charter

Preparing a boat first aid kit is an essential part of planning your sailing holiday. From minor cuts to seasickness and regular prescription medicines, having the right supplies on board helps you respond when someone feels unwell.

Your kit should suit your destination, the length of your trip and the needs of everyone on board. Use this guide to prepare your checklist, then ask your doctor or pharmacist which medicines and supplies are appropriate for your crew. 

1. Adapt your first aid kit to your sailing plans

Trip length and access to medical care

Will you be making short coastal passages with regular harbour stops, or spending longer periods away from shore? Consider how quickly you could reach medical care if someone becomes ill or injured.

For remote destinations and longer crossings, discuss your plans with a healthcare professional well before departure. The equipment you carry should also reflect the first aid skills available within your crew. 

Destination and climate

Check the health precautions recommended for your destination. Depending on where you sail, you may need additional insect protection, travel vaccinations or prescribed preventive medication.

Arrange a travel health appointment in good time if your route includes tropical or remote regions. Antimalarial medicines, for example, should only be included when recommended for your destination by a healthcare professional. 

Individual health needs

Anyone taking regular medication should bring enough for the whole holiday, plus an additional supply in case of delays. The same medicine may not be readily available at your destination.

Keep a list of the medicines’ generic names and doses, along with copies of prescriptions where appropriate. Check the rules for taking your medication into each country you will visit. 

Before departure, agree who needs to know about relevant medical conditions, allergies and personal emergency medication.

2. What should a boat first aid kit contain?

Whether you charter a sailboat or choose another type of boat, ask your charter company what first aid equipment is provided. Confirm which additional supplies you should bring yourself.

Medicines for your crew

Ask a pharmacist or doctor to help you select suitable medicines. Depending on individual needs, your medical kit may include:

• Regular prescription medicines.
• Suitable pain relief and fever medication.
• Seasickness remedies.
• Treatment for diarrhoea.
• Oral rehydration sachets.
• Medicines for known allergies.
• Treatments for insect bites and itching.
• Remedies for other familiar minor complaints, where appropriate.

Always check suitability, dosage and possible interactions. Children, pregnant travellers and people with existing medical conditions may need different products or advice.

Only carry prescription medicines such as antibiotics when prescribed for you, with clear instructions on when and how to use them.

Dressings and wound care

Useful supplies for minor injuries and initial first aid include:

• Plasters in different sizes, including waterproof options.
• Blister plasters.
• Sterile gauze pads and dressings.
• Roller bandages and elasticated bandages.
• Medical adhesive tape.
• A suitable wound antiseptic.
• Disposable gloves.

Equipment and other useful items

Consider adding:

• A digital thermometer.
• First aid scissors.
• Tweezers and, where relevant, a tick remover.
• An emergency blanket.
• A small torch.
• Instant cold packs.

Pack sunscreen and insect repellent suitable for your destination too. 

Top tip: During your boat check-in and inventory, locate the first aid kit with the charter company. Check its contents, the condition of the packaging and expiry dates before leaving the marina.

3. How to store your first aid kit on board

Keep medicines in their original packaging with their patient information leaflets. This makes it easier to identify each product and check its dosage, storage instructions and expiry date.

Protect your supplies from water, direct sunlight and excessive heat. Follow the storage requirements for each medicine: products that need refrigeration require reliable temperature control throughout the journey. 

Use a clearly labelled, water-resistant container and organise the contents so you can find items quickly. Keep the kit accessible to responsible adults and out of children’s reach.

At the start of the holiday, show everyone where the kit is stored. Keep a torch nearby so you can locate supplies after dark. 

4. Seasickness and jellyfish stings: what to do

Preventing and managing seasickness

Seasickness occurs when the brain receives conflicting movement signals from the eyes and the inner ear. Symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, sweating, paleness and vomiting.

To help prevent or ease symptoms:

• Look towards the horizon.
• Choose a safe position with less movement, usually towards the middle of the boat.
• Get fresh air where possible.
• Avoid reading or using screens.
• Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before and during your passage.

Ask a pharmacist about suitable seasickness remedies before you travel. 

Some medicines can cause drowsiness, which matters if you will be steering or handling the boat. Check the patient information leaflet and discuss this with your pharmacist.

Seek medical advice if vomiting continues, you cannot keep fluids down or your condition becomes significantly worse.

Responding to a jellyfish sting

Leave the water and seek local medical advice as soon as possible. Treatment can vary depending on the species and where the sting occurred.

Do not rub the affected area or touch remaining tentacles with bare hands. Do not use urine as a treatment.

Call for emergency help if the person develops breathing difficulties, chest pain, severe swelling, faintness or loss of consciousness. Stings in tropical waters also require prompt medical assessment. 

5. What should you do in a medical emergency at sea?

Contact the rescue service for your location

If someone has a serious injury or a life-threatening illness, call for help immediately. The correct rescue service depends on where you are sailing.

Before leaving the marina, record the local coastguard or maritime rescue coordination centre’s contact details. Ask the charter company to explain the emergency communication equipment on board.

In UK waters, contact HM Coastguard:

For grave and imminent danger requiring immediate assistance, use the appropriate distress procedure, including a Mayday call. HM Coastguard coordinates maritime search and rescue around the UK. 

Mobile reception may be unavailable offshore. Make sure the skipper knows how to use the boat’s radio and any other emergency communication equipment.

Getting medical advice at sea

In UK waters, contact HM Coastguard if you need medical advice for someone on board. They can connect you with the appropriate Telemedical Advice Service, which provides specialist advice for medical incidents at sea. 

When sailing abroad, use the local coastguard or maritime rescue coordination centre. Do not assume that UK emergency numbers will connect you to the appropriate service overseas.

Information to prepare

When requesting help, be ready to provide:

• The boat’s name, call sign and current position.
• A telephone number or radio channel for further contact.
• The person’s age and main symptoms.
• When the symptoms started or the accident happened.
• Relevant medical conditions, allergies and medication.
• Any first aid already given.
• The medical supplies available on board.

Follow the instructions of the rescue coordinator or medical professional.

Top tip: Display emergency contact details near the navigation station and save them on your phone. Make sure the crew knows who will call for help and who will assist the person affected.

This article provides general guidance for preparing your onboard medical kit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice tailored to your crew and travel plans.

What else should go in your sailing bag? Read our packing tips for your sailing holiday for advice on clothing, documents and practical equipment.