RYA First Aid | Classroom

Our one-day RYA First Aid Course covers all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective. It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
Thu 20 Nov
20 November 2025
20 November 2025
1 day, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Ely Harbour
- Ferry Road Cardiff
- Cardiff
- CF11 0JL
- United Kingdom
Description
Accidents happen when you least expect them. Thankfully serious incidents onboard are rate but getting to grips with basic first aid will ensure that everyone's in good hands.
Administering first aid at sea or even just afloat is very different to doing so on land. Because of this, the RTA First Aid course has been specifically developed for water users.
The one-day classroom course is taught by instructors with considerable boating experience. It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
Topics include CPR combined with drowning protocol, bleeding, head injuries, cold water shock and hypothermia, first aid kits, and requesting medical advice or assistance by marine radio.
A little bit of knowledge is useful for all crew members and ideally everyone should do the course. It can be very difficult for just one person to navigate, helm, call for help and resuscitate at the same time!
The course is MCA approved and satisfies the requirements for Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.
Course Overview:
Basic Life Support
Dealing with Medical Emergencies
Marine Specific First Aid
Course Content
- The recovery position in a confined space
- CPR, including the drowning protocol
- Cold shock and hypothermia from immersion and/or exposure
- Seasickness and dehydration
- Medical Assistance or advice by VHF
- Helicopter rescue
Minimum Age
None
Instructor to Student ratio
1 Instructor to 12 Students
What's included
The RYA First Aid Book is provided to everyone doing an RYA First Aid course. With detailed information, clear visual aids and a section dedicated to marine specific content, it's a valuable resource for all water users.