AEDs at Sea: Ensuring Safety Aboard Ships and Offshore Installation

Ensure maritime safety with AEDs at sea. Learn best practices, legal duties, and recommended defibrillators for ships and offshore sites.

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AEDs at Sea: Ensuring Safety Aboard Ships & Offshore Installation

Severe cardiac events don’t pause at sea. Whether on a yacht, cargo ship, or offshore oil rig, immediate access to a defibrillator can mean the difference between life and death. This post explores why maritime crews should prioritise AED availability and compliance across vessels, rigs, and marine environments.

Why AEDs Are Vital in Maritime Settings

Maritime guidance such as Marine Guidance Note MGN 297(M) advises that passenger vessels and high-speed craft undertake a risk assessment to determine if AEDs are necessary. St. John Ambulance reports that combined CPR and AED use can achieve survival rates of around 70%, compared to roughly 5% with CPR alone. Additionally, survival decreases 7–10% per minute without defibrillation, which is crucial at sea.

UK Legal & Safety Frameworks for Maritime AED Use

Marine Guidance Note MGN 297(M) recommends evaluating AED carriage on passenger vessels. Offshore safety regulations such as the Pressure Systems and Fittings Regulations (PFEER) and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention require vessels to carry AEDs when risk assessments indicate their necessity. Addihttps://www.edumaritime.net/imo/solasng AEDs strengthens overall duty of care and emergency readiness.

Marine-Grade AED Equipment We Provide

Maritime use requires AEDs that resist water, salt, vibration, and temperature extremes:

Our recommended device is the iPAD SPR Defibrillator, which is lightweight, semi-automatic, and comes with a high visibility design ideal for marine and outdoor deployments.

Featured Product: iPAD SPR Defibrillator

We recommend the iPAD SPR Defibrillator, which is IP66 rated, making it more resilient to dust and water spray than many entry-level AEDs which is a solid choice for marine and semi-exposed environments. It features:

  • Bright LED indicators for use in low-light conditions

  • Clear, voice-guided instructions for calm step-by-step use

  • Automatic self-diagnostics to ensure readiness

  • Pad and battery indicators to avoid failed rescues

Best Practices for Maritime AED Deployment

  • Station AEDs in accessible areas like the bridge or galley
  • Secure units inside lockable, waterproof AED cabinets
  • Provide crew with STCW-compliant CPR and AED training
  • Perform monthly inspections (battery, pads, logs) to maintain readiness
  • Include AEDs in vessel safety documentation and drill schedules

Storing & Maintaining AEDs in Harsh Marine Environments

Salt spray, UV, vibration, and temperature shifts all threaten AED performance aboard vessels. Proper storage and maintenance routines ensure readiness.

Storage & protection:

  • An IP66-rated AED cabinet prevents water ingress.
  • UV-stabilised enclosure prevents sun damage
  • Secure mounting avoids vibration stress

Maintenance protocols:

How Defib Supplies Supports Maritime Safety

At Defib Supplies, we offer:

Immediate Steps for Vessel Safety

  • Conduct AED risk assessment per MGN 297(M)
  • Buy marine-grade iPAD SPR Defibrillator and suitable cabinet
  • Train crew in CPR & AED (STCW standards)
  • Set up inspection routines with logs
  • Include AED in drills and safety documentation

Contact Us

Safety at sea demands clarity, compliance, and preparedness. Whether you’re fitting a yacht, cargo vessel, or offshore platform, our specialist team will guide you to the right AED configuration, training, and compliance plan. Contact us for personal advice, or browse our full Defib Supplies catalogue.

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