Newsletter 2
September 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
 
Medical Director's Desk
 

MCA Latest Updates

Special Promotions

Medicine at Sea
 

Credit Card Payments
 

 
 
 
 
Phone: +34 629 818 826
Fax: +34 971 400 705
 

 

Missed Newsletter 1?   click here to view

 

 
  

Medical Director's Desk 

Welcome to our second Newsletter. We have received few comments back from you about the contents of our first edition. Can we assume we are giving you what you want? I would like to think so, but in order to know for sure please feel free to tell us.

For those of you preparing for the Caribbean season don't forget to update your medical supplies and review crew medical training. Remember, that whoever is in charge of the medical supplies should have completed both Medical First Aid and Medical Care Onboard Ship Courses.

Happy, and healthy, sailing!

Dr Ian Marshall

Medical Director

 
  • MCA Latest Updates
    		•
      

    Revision of the MCA Code for Large Yachts in the Red Ensign Group (UK, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Bermuda and Gibraltar) is scheduled for completion by the end of September 2004, when it will be placed on the MCA Website and also published as a hard copy.

     

    The most significant change will be the introduction of the category "Short Range Yacht" for those vessels that cannot, or have no operational need to. Meet the "Unlimited" criteria. This is particularly relevant to high-powered yachts with large engines that may be unable to meet the "damage survivability" and sub-division requirements in relation to engine-room flooding.

     

    The proposed parameters for Short Range Yachts are: 1) less than 300 gt for new vessels; or less than 500 gt for existing vessels; 2) up to 60 miles from safe haven (increased to 90 miles on specified routes with the agreement of the Administration; and 3) operation within favourable weather - Force 4 by forecast/actual.

    Various other requirements for Short Range Yachts will also be affected including reduction in the requirement for structural fire protection and reduced standards of weather-tight integrity, such as sill heights and window specifications. Provided the yacht can demonstrate adequate manoeuvrability for man-overboard recovery, there will be no need for a Rescue Boat to be carried.

    Further information about the MCA Codes for Large Yachts can be found on the MCA Website at http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-home.

  • Special Promotions 
    		•
      

    With this years ARC fully booked at 240 yachts, the race is being run to two destinations; St Lucia and Antigua.  We are offering all registered participants of the ARC, a Special discount of 10% on new kit purchases.  Good luck to you all and have a great Caribbean season!
  • Medicine at Sea 
    		•
      

    CPR & Defibrillation

     

    Under current STCW 95 regulations all commercial crew should undertake basic training, including a first aid course. A major topic of this training is Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This is the most likely procedure to be required after sudden collapse and cardiac arrest.

     

    Unfortunately, recovery rates from cardiac arrest with CPR alone are poor, around 5-10%. Recovery is dramatically improved (up to 70 %) if a defibrillator is available quickly. The longer the time between the onset of cardiac arrest and use of the defibrillator, the poorer the survival rates.

     

    Modern, portable automatic external defibrillators are small enough to be readily taken to the patient and are easy to use by following voice prompts. The best models perform their own self-checks to ensure the defibrillator is permanently ready for use. They have lithium batteries with a life of around four years, and require little or no regular maintenance. All crew should be trained in the use of the defibrillator.

     

    At the moment, defibrillators are not a requirement for MCA level medical kits, but are recommended. It is probable that they will become a requirement for commercial vessels in the future.

     

    With proper training and access to good medical equipment, including a defibrillator and oxygen, many medical emergencies can be dealt with effectively when at sea. Although statutory requirements for medical equipment only apply to commercial vessels, privately owned boats, irrespective of size and distance travelled offshore, should consider meeting the same standards. Medical emergencies are not limited to bigger boats or those in commercial use. 
  • Credit Card Payments - New Service
    		•
      

    Responding to numerous requests, we have now added a new service allowing us to organise payments by credit cards.  Having field tested a number of different credit card payment facilities, we are now able to process most major credit cards.  Payments can still be made by bank transfer, cash or Spanish Eurocheck.