Marine Basic First Aid (MBFA)

Marine Basic First Aid (MBFA) marine training course

About This Course

The Marine Basic First Aid (MBFA) course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to respond effectively to medical emergencies in a marine environment. Through classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises, participants develop the confidence and competence to assess casualties, provide immediate first aid, perform CPR, use an AED, and manage common onboard injuries and medical conditions.

Course Fee: CAD $400

Upcoming MBFA Course Dates

SessionDay 1Day 2
Session 1October 17, 2026October 18, 2026
Session 2October 21, 2026October 22, 2026
Session 3November 14, 2026November 15, 2026
Session 4November 18, 2026November 19, 2026

Key Training Areas

  • Emergency response and casualty assessment
  • CPR and AED skills
  • Marine first aid procedures
  • Management of injuries and medical emergencies
  • Practical, scenario-based training
  • Safe response in the marine workplace

Who Needs Marine Basic First Aid?

Who Should Take This Course?

Marine Basic First Aid is intended for individuals who may be required to provide first aid or respond to emergencies while working or operating in a marine environment.

  • Small vessel operators
  • Fishing vessel crew members
  • Marine personnel designated to provide first aid onboard
  • Crew serving on near-coastal, inland, or sheltered-water voyages
  • Candidates pursuing applicable Transport Canada marine certificates or endorsements
  • Crew members assigned onboard first-aid responsibilities

Also Recommended For

  • Recreational boaters
  • Charter vessel operators
  • Commercial tour boat personnel
  • Individuals working in remote or isolated marine environments

Certification Requirements

To successfully complete the course, participants are expected to:

  • Attend 100% of the scheduled training
  • Participate fully in practical exercises and demonstrations
  • Successfully demonstrate required CPR, AED, and first aid skills
  • Complete applicable practical assessments
  • Complete any required written knowledge assessment
  • Demonstrate the required level of competency in emergency-response scenarios

Certificate Issued

Participants who successfully meet all applicable attendance, knowledge, practical, and assessment requirements will receive a Marine Basic First Aid certificate.

Prerequisites

A valid Transport Canada Candidate Document Number (CDN) is required before enrolling in this course. Participants who do not yet have a CDN should obtain one before registration.
  • No previous first aid certification is required
  • Participants should be physically able to perform CPR and practical first aid exercises
  • Participants must be able to participate safely in hands-on training
  • Applicable age or employer requirements may also apply

Course Content

This comprehensive two-day course combines theoretical instruction with practical training for emergency situations commonly encountered in marine environments.

Topics Include

  • First aid principles and the role of the first aider
  • Responding to emergencies
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Check, Call, Care
  • Airway emergencies
  • Breathing and circulatory emergencies
  • Adult respiratory and cardiac arrest
  • CPR and AED procedures
  • Wound care and bleeding control
  • Head and spinal injuries
  • Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
  • Sudden medical emergencies
  • Environmental emergencies
  • Poisoning and exposure emergencies

Practical Training

  • CPR and AED practice
  • Casualty assessment
  • First aid treatment techniques
  • Marine emergency-response scenarios
  • Practical skill evaluations
  • Scenario-based problem solving
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