RYA First Aid Course

Sirius Business Services Ltd is an RYA Training Centre (shore based) located in Weymouth, Dorset close to the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy based at Portland Dorset.

We provide training to anyone water based who needs the qualification including professional and amateur sailors and powerboat operators and instructors as well as sailing and other water based clubs or organisations, charities, leisure operators and educational establishments. Our instructors have many years practical experience in water bourn safety provision including on water first aid as well as land based first aid. We have specialist knowledge and experience of supporting disability clubs and organisations supporting para sailors as well as RYA Sailability schemes.

As well as being an RYA Training Centre we run an OFQUAL regulated training centre offering a wide range of First Aid, Health & Safety and Fire Safety training.

 

Overview

The RYA First Aid course covers essential first aid skills tailored for boating and maritime environments, focusing on situations specific to being afloat. It includes topics like CPR, recovery position, managing cold water shock and hypothermia, seasickness, and how to summon medical assistance or advice via VHF radio. It is designed for all those who go afloat, on inland waters or up to 60 Miles offshore. The Syllabus is based on the recommendations of the HSE and MCA.

Enquiries email info@siriusbusinessservices.co.uk or Tel 01305 769969

 

Validity

The certificate is valid for 3 years and fulfils the requirements for:

• The MCA Code of Practice for skippers of small commercial vessels up to category 2, including boatmasters
• The senior first aid certificate for offshore racers subject to ISAF regulations on first aid training (OSR 4.08.4)
• All RYA practical instructors

 

Category C endorsement

In addition the following is covered as necessary:

• Awareness of the content and use of a category C first aid kit, including the pocket mask as required by skippers of MCA coded boats.

 

Course Duration

1 day

 

Eligibility

Anyone over 13 years of age.

 

Here's a more detailed look at the course content:

Core First Aid Skills:

• CPR and the recovery position: Including the drowning protocol and adapting the recovery position for confined spaces.
• Managing bleeding: Including bandaging and control of severe bleeding.
• Shock: Recognizing and treating different types of shock, including hypovolemic shock.
• Seizures and reduced level of response: Understanding the signs and how to manage them.

Situations Specific to Boating:

• Cold water shock and hypothermia: Recognizing and treating hypothermia from immersion and/or exposure.
• Seasickness and dehydration: Understanding the causes and how to manage these common boating ailments.
• Helicopter rescue: Understanding the procedures for helicopter evacuation of a casualty.
• VHF radio communication: Knowing how to use VHF radio to summon medical assistance or advice.
• Use of a defibrillator (AED): Understanding how to use an AED safely and effectively.

Other Important Topics:

• First aid kit management: Understanding the contents and proper use of first aid kits, including those specifically for MCA-coded boats.
• Recording and reporting: Keeping simple records of accidents and incidents.
• Specific injuries and conditions: Addressing topics like burns, fractures (including spinal injuries), and diabetic emergencies, among others.

 

To download the full RYA First Aid Syllabus, CLICK HERE