ISSA / First Aid Certificate

First Aid for Skippers

WHEN MEDICAL HELP IS FAR AWAY

Master the Chain of Survival at sea. Learn to manage maritime emergency hazards, perform CPR in tight cabins, and handle medical handovers over VHF radio.

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Duration 1 day
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Max People Up to 8 students
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Min Age From 16 years
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Location Lefkas, Greece
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Certificate ISSA Certificate

The Challenge

"There Is No Ambulance Around the Corner"

At sea, the reality is harsh: professional medical help is typically 60+ minutes away. If a crew member collapses, suffers a head strike from a boom, or falls overboard, you cannot just dial 112 and wait. You are the First Responder. The outcome depends entirely on your initial actions in those critical first minutes before help arrives.

The Solution

"Master the Chain of Survival"

This course transforms you from a bystander into a lifesaver. We focus on the 4 Ps of Maritime First Aid: Preserve Life, Prevent Injury, Provide Comfort, and Prepare for Handover. You will learn to manage specific maritime hazardsβ€”from hypothermia to performing CPR in the confined space of a yacht cabin. We teach you to stabilize the vessel first, ensuring one casualty doesn't become two.

Overview

Medical Training Designed for the Marine Environment

Standard First Aid courses assume you are in a building with stable floors and easy access for paramedics. This course is different.

Our First Aid for Skippers addresses the unique challenges of the sea: slippery decks, heavy seas, confined spaces, and delayed evacuation. You will learn the CHECK-CALL-CPR Protocol adapted for yachts, how to use an AED, and how to communicate vital medical data effectively over VHF radio to authorities.

Course Outline

What You Will Master

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Scene Safety & Assessment

  • βœ“ Maritime Hazards: Managing boom swings, snapped lines, and slippery decks.
  • βœ“ The Silent Killers: Detecting Carbon Monoxide (CO) in cabins.
  • βœ“ The 4 Ps: Preserving life while preparing for a complex handover.
  • βœ“ Vessel Stabilization: Heaving-to and securing the deck before treating the patient.
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Life Saving Protocols

  • βœ“ High-Quality CPR: Compression techniques and rescue breaths in tight spaces.
  • βœ“ AED Deployment: Safety considerations and effective use of defibrillators on board.
  • βœ“ Airway Management: Clearing obstructions and the recovery position.
  • βœ“ The Chain of Survival: Early recognition and immediate action logic.
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Environmental & Handover

  • βœ“ Hypothermia: Prevention and monitoring after water immersion.
  • βœ“ Effective Comms: How to relay "MIST" (Mechanism, Injuries, Signs, Treatment) via VHF/112.
  • βœ“ Secondary Care: Managing burns (galley), fractures, and seasickness.
  • βœ“ Post-Resuscitation: Monitoring the casualty while awaiting evacuation.
Requirements

Prerequisites

βœ“ No Medical Experience Required
βœ“ Minimum Age: 16 Years Old
βœ“ Useful for: Skippers, Crew, and Hostesses
First Aid Training is important in everyday life, not only at sea.

What is Included in Your Course

  • βœ“ Training by suitably qualified and experienced Sail Training ISSA instructors for the level of course
  • βœ“ Official Training Materials
  • βœ“ Study Theory by yourself

International Certificates

ISSA licenses are recognized by most leading charter and insurance companies, giving you the access to charter yachts around the world.

With ISSA First Aid Certificate you get the theoretical & practical knowledge to be the First Responder onshore & offshore.

Note: ISSA certificates have no expiry date!

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Course Availability

Start Date End Date Availability Price From Info Action
October 18, 2026 October 19, 2026 AVAILABLE €150 Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn the theory?

You receive the theory to study online.

What should I expect from the course?

You will participate in an intensive hands-on workshop designed for the marine environment. You will practice high-quality CPR & Rescue Breaths and learn to use an AED correctly. The course focuses on the CHECK-CALL-CPR Protocol and managing specific maritime hazards like hypothermia, scene assessment, and effective communication with authorities via VHF.

What comes after the course?

Upon passing the practical assessment, you receive your official ISSA First Aid Certificate, establishing your credentials as a qualified first responder at sea.

How much time is needed for the issuance of the certificates?

Digital confirmation is issued approximately one week upon completion, with physical plastic cards mailed 20–30 days after course sign-off.

Will I practice enough?

Yes. Small group sizes ensure every student gets hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED training devices, and marine medical scenarios.

Do the certificates expire?

ISSA First Aid certificates have no expiration date, though periodic refresher training is always recommended to keep skills sharp.

What are the next steps after getting my license?

In SAIL2DAY CLUB we offer support to all of our students after completing their training / getting their licenses. You will be able to participate in some of our more advanced or specific trainings, take part in an assisted sailing holiday trip or charter a boat from our fleet or from our partners.

Request to Book

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Why Choose Us

for your Skipper Courses?

Not sure where to start to learn to sail?

Our sailing school and instructors are certified by ISSA Sailing Schools Association and provide Crew, Skipper & VHF Certificates that are valid for life.

Certified & Experienced
Instructors

Our instructors are dedicated to help you gain and improve your skills in sailing, docking, manoeuvring and more, from theory to practice.

ISSA Certificates
Valid for Life

ISSA Certificates are globally recognized and valid for life. Charter a yacht or skipper your own boat. Inshore Skipper (ICC), VHF Radio, Offshore Skipper.

Ongoing Support to achieve
your Goals

Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced sailing enthusiast, we are here to support and guide you, to achieve your goals.

Ideal Sailing Training
Destination

Our base in Lefkada, Greece is an ideal destination, carefully chosen to provide you with an unforgettable, safe and seamless sailing training experience!

Sail2day private pontoon, Vliho Bay, Lefkada
Our Home Base

Vliho Bay, Lefkada

Protected from all sides, Vliho Bay in Lefkada offers calm waters and instant access to the South Ionian island archipelago.

  • Direct departure to Meganisi, Fiskardo, and Kioni
  • 45-minute transfer from PVK (Preveza) Airport
  • Private pontoon facilities, water, refueling and provisioning

Base Coordinates & Access

Location: Vliho, Lefkada Island, Greece

Coordinates: 38Β°41'N 20Β°43'E

Operating Season: April – October

Google Maps: Sail2day Lefkada base

Charter Base Info