MedLinks Receives USCG Approval for Training Site

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved MedLink to teach STCW-compliant medical training courses at Colonna Yachts’ megayacht refit yard in Norfolk, Va. In order to receive STCW certification, MedLink had to obtain U.S. Coast Guard approval on the courses’ curriculum, instructors and locations. MedLink offers two medical training courses that meet STCW standards: an 8-hour Elementary First Aid and a 21-hour Proficiency in Medical Care course. Colonna Yachts joins several other sites approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for MedLink’s use, with the facility meeting requirements for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers. “Yacht crews are increasingly asked to accomplish more tasks during yard periods and approved maritime training is one of these tasks,” said William Mahaffy, MedLink’s maritime market manager. “Onsite training offers a number of advantages – it is cost effective since vessels do not incur airfare and hotel costs sending crewmembers to a distant location and it also allows us to realistically simulate on board medical incidents using the vessel’s existing equipment and resources.”