On this page:
Non-survey vessels and Class 4 vessels in survey
All non-survey vessels (eligible for exemption 02 or 40) and all Class 4 vessels in survey must carry a first aid kit unless exempt.
The only vessels that are not required to carry a first aid kit are:
- tenders
- jet ski/personal watercraft including those with aerial freestyle devices
- human powered vessels that are part of a tour group (the tour leader must carry or have access to a first aid kit).
Which first aid kit to carry
The first aid kit you carry on board must be informed by a risk assessment.
Consider:
- distance and time to access medical aid
- communication capability to access medical assistance and advice
- type of operation and activities e.g. types and level of hazards likely to be encountered
- length of the voyage
- number of people on board
- the profile of people on board e.g. children, elderly people, level of experience
- expected environmental conditions on the voyage
- incidents and accidents that have happened in the past
- first aid training undertaken by the master and crew.
Examples
- 4.5 m tinnie sightseeing vessel
The operator of a Class 4D 4.5 m tinnie sightseeing vessel that can be hired for a couple of hours on a lake (non-survey vessel, eligible for exemption 02) does a risk assessment and finds that the St John’s Ambulance Boating First Aid Kit meets their needs.
- Houseboat
The operator of a Class 4E houseboat (survey vessel) that travels on the Murray River for 7 days with 10 people on board does a risk assessment and finds that a Scale G first aid kit meets their needs.
- 7 m work boat
The operator of a 7 m Class 2D non-survey work boat being used by crew and special personnel on Sydney Harbour conducts a risk assessment of their operations which includes construction work. They determine a Scale G first aid kit suits their needs. This also meets local state workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements.
- 10 m fishing trawler
The operator of a 10 m Class 3D non-survey fishing trawler which operates on Moreton Bay completes a risk assessment. Because they operate at night, and a couple of hours away from the nearest hospital, they find that a Scale G first aid kit meets their needs.
Other requirements
- Mark the location of your first aid kit with a sign or sticker.
- Make sure first aid supplies are stored in a waterproof case, are within their expiry date and come with instructions.
- Ensure at least one member of the crew has a current first aid certificate equivalent to at least HLTAID011 Provide first aid.
- Make sure you understand and comply with obligations under workplace health and safety (WHS) laws in your state/territory, as well as AMSA’s requirements.
Consider seeking advice from a first aid supplier or provider to make sure you comply with state/territory WHS requirements and that your first aid kit suits your operation.
Survey vessels: Class 1, 2 and 3
See below for the minimum medical supplies and equipment you are required to carry on your vessel. These cabinets and kits are designed for treating minor medical conditions and injuries, or to stabilise 1 or 2 patients until they can reach medical assistance.
Do a risk assessment to determine if the type of supplies or quantities should be increased.
| Operational area | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | Scale D Medical cabinet Scale F First aid kit | Scale E Medical cabinet Scale F First aid kit | Scale E Medical cabinet Scale F First aid kit |
| C* | With unberthed passengers Scale F First aid kit With berthed passengers Scale E Medical cabinet Scale F First aid kit | Scale F First aid kit | Scale F First aid kit |
| D* | With unberthed passengers Scale G First aid kit With berthed passengers Scale F First aid kit | Scale G First aid kit | Scale G First aid kit |
| E* | With unberthed passengers Scale G First aid kit With berthed passengers Scale F First aid kit | Scale G First aid kit | Scale G First aid kit |
*Low risk vessels in operational area C, C Restricted, D or E: If you do a risk assessment and find that the risk of injury or medical incident on your vessel is low, you may be able to carry different or fewer supplies and equipment to what’s listed in the table. See Generic Equivalent Solution: AMSA 637 Carriage of First Aid Supplies on Domestic Commercial Vessels PDF219.57 KB for details.
Contact us
If you are uncertain about your vessel’s safety equipment requirements, please contact AMSA Connect.