Medical On Board: Inside the World of Maritime Medicine

When a medical emergency unfolds hundreds of miles from land, there’s no time to Google symptoms or hope for luck. That’s where MedAire steps in—bringing the equivalent of an ambulance, clinic, and counselling service directly on board.

Founded in 1985 and now part of International SOS, MedAire has spent four decades redefining what “Medical On Board” truly means for the yachting industry. From telemedicine and real-time shore coordination to advanced medical kits and crew training, the company provides 24/7 support designed to save lives—and prevent crises before they start.

At the heart of that mission is Emma Deal, who leads MedAire’s Aviation & Maritime Division. With years of experience supporting superyacht and aviation operations across the globe, Emma has seen first-hand how preparation, technology, and proper crew education can mean the difference between a manageable situation and a full-scale emergency.

The Frontline at Sea

For most crew, the words “medical bag” might mean a first-aid kit or a box of plasters raided during charter season. But that bag represents a full-scale support system—one that can mean the difference between stability and tragedy.

“We’re as close to an ambulance being on board as you can get without having one.”

Every month, MedAire’s maritime division handles roughly 200 cases—ranging from routine concerns to serious emergencies requiring evacuation. Yet most aren’t dramatic rescues. They’re crew members seeking help for common but neglected conditions—UTIs, infections, dehydration, or chronic fatigue—that worsen when ignored.

“We always tell crew: call early, call often. The sooner we can intervene, the better the outcome.”

Training That Saves Lives

The work doesn’t stop at telemedicine. MedAire equips yachts with certified medical kits, trains designated officers, and encourages regular onboard drills that mirror fire and MOB exercises.

“If you can run a man-overboard drill, you can run a medical one. The more you use the equipment, the more confident you’ll be when it matters.”

That confidence matters most for the interior teams—often the first to notice when something’s wrong. More stews are being encouraged to take active roles in medical training, particularly for female wellbeing, where sensitivity and trust are essential.

“If you’re unwell, you’re not going to open up to the captain first—you’ll talk to the person who shows empathy.”

Mental Health at Sea

While physical health has always been visible, mental wellbeing took longer to surface in the yachting world. Yet MedAire has quietly offered confidential counselling for over a decade.

“When we first launched it, we couldn’t even call it mental-health support. There was too much stigma, so we called it the ‘Emotional Support Add-On.’”

Today, that discreet offering has evolved into a full mental-health program with private access, no captain authorization required, and multiple sessions per crew member each year. It’s a major shift toward a more compassionate, realistic understanding of life at sea—one where silence is no longer the default.

Technology and the Future of Care

As yachting ventures further into remote regions—from Antarctica to Papua New Guinea—technology is transforming what’s possible. MedAire is now integrating AI-assisted diagnostics, real-time vital sign monitoring, and app-based crew access that connects seafarers directly to medical professionals via Wi-Fi, even mid-ocean.

“We’re not trying to replace doctors. We’re giving crews the ability to reach them faster and make better decisions when minutes matter.”

It’s a glimpse into a future where Medical On Board doesn’t just mean emergency response—it means proactive, preventative, and personalized care.

A Culture Shift in the Making

The conversation around health at sea is evolving, and with it, the perception of what professionalism means in yachting. The goal is no longer to appear invincible—it’s to be informed, trained, and ready.