Boating Medical Preparedness for Emergencies at Sea

You’re sitting on the bow of your trawler sipping coffee, watching a rose-hued sunrise and anticipating the day’s journey. It’s another 50 nautical miles to the next port. But as you start to haul your 120-plus-pound Bruce anchor, a nagging pain tugs at your left groin. Then, a sharp, searing jolt takes your breath away. You break into a sweat, feel dizzy and struggle to sit. 

This is an emergency. Your hernia demands immediate attention. 

Emergencies strike without warning. Whether you’re island-hopping in calm waters or tackling open seas, being medically prepared is not optional. It’s critical.

For wound-care tips and first-aid strategies, read “Boating First Aid Kit: Treating Onboard Injuries” at passagemaker.com. 

Here are more things you can do before emergencies happen to make handling them easier.

Personal History Form

In moments of high stress, staying calm is crucial. One way to achieve this is by doing something similar to creating a pre-departure checklist for the boat: Create a personal medical history form for every crew member before setting sail.

Personal details should include the person’s name, address, emergency contact and relationship, along with healthcare providers—with primary and specialty physician names and office numbers. Also get a complete medical history, including a list of conditions, surgeries, medications (dose, route, frequency), allergies, immunizations (especially tetanus) and blood type. You’ll also want insurance information: carrier name, plan details, policy and group numbers, contact numbers and Social Security numbers. All of this will help speed up hospital registration.

With prescription medications, it’s best to have a 30-day supply on hand from your doctor. There may be times when you must order medications, but mail-order options can reduce medication quality or even be counterfeit. A safer option is to arrange for your physician to send a renewal to a reputable chain pharmacy at your destination. 

Emergency Assistance Request

Having the right information immediately available can also speed up rescue efforts and save lives. That means gathering key information in a notebook or iPad for quick reference: vessel owner, captain and crew names, and contact information including home addresses. 

When making the emergency call, be prepared to give responders the injured person’s details, including blood type, allergies and condition. Clearly describe bleeding, giving the location and estimated quantity; “half a cup from the right lower leg, wound packed with gauze and compression dressing applied.” Also provide the level of consciousness (alert; responds to voice or pain; or is unresponsive). If possible, also report vital signs such as temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood pressure. 

Also note the date and time; VHF channel used; vessel position, speed and course; and wind direction and speed. If necessary, identify a helicopter or rescue vessel rendezvous point.

Planning for Extended Voyages

Before leaving on any long journey, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Explain your plans and any potential hazards. Some medical practices have a travel health specialist who can provide region-specific information about vaccines and medications. 

If you are traveling internationally, there is more to consider. Medications that are prescribed or over-the-counter in the United States may be illegal in other countries. It’s best to carry a medical certificate from your healthcare provider describing your medications and the reason they are needed. Check the CDC Destination (www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list) page for travel health information. 

Also consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (mytravel.state.gov/s/step). It’s a free service to U.S. citizens that provides real-time updates about health, safety and security, along with assistance with U.S. embassies and consulates that can help locate medical services and notify friends, family or your employer in an emergency. 

Also check out the information at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html.

Travel insurance may be useful in situations where U.S. health insurance may not be accepted. Check with your provider about what’s covered abroad. In some instances, be prepared to pay out of pocket, even in countries with national health service systems. Also give thought to medical evacuation insurance for emergency transportation from remote areas to a hospital.

Back on U.S. Shores

Health clinics, urgent-care centers and emergency departments each provide distinct services. They refer patients to a higher level of care if their physicians, clinicians or equipment are unable to provide the services required. 

The internet is a good tool for helping to decide whether you can trust any physician. WebMD lists doctors by insurance, specialty and procedures with ratings, experience and contact information. Healthgrades displays and compares providers. Your insurance company may maintain lists of out-of-state providers. Sometimes, it’s simply asking the staff at the marina for recommendations.

Hospitals must comply with federal and state regulations where physicians are periodically appraised so they can practice medicine and surgery. Maintaining board certification in a specialty demonstrates a commitment to excellence. 

This article originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Passagemaker magazine.