TSO (The Stationery Shop) is pleased to announce the publication of the highly anticipated 24th edition of the Ship Captain’s Medical Guide; a vital resource for vessels without a medical professional onboard.

This essential guide, mandated for ships and fishing vessels carrying Category A or B medical stores, provides comprehensive assistance to crew members in assessing and treating trauma and medical illnesses at sea. 

Prepared by Dr Spike Briggs and Dr Katharine Hartington with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), this new edition reflects the latest advances in medical best practices, technology, and global communications. It is an indispensable tool for medical training courses and offers a structured approach for managing unfamiliar medical problems at sea.

The 24th edition has undergone significant updates to enhance usability, improve content accessibility, and ensure its relevance for modern maritime operations. The new edition is produced in a lighter, flexi-bound format made from 100% recycled materials, offering a more sustainable and practical solution for seafarers.

Virginia McVea, MCA Chief Executive, said:

“The Ship Captain’s Medical Guide has long been a cornerstone of maritime safety. The latest edition builds on this legacy, ensuring crews have immediate access to life-saving information when it matters most.

By incorporating industry feedback and the latest medical guidance, this guide provides practical, accessible advice tailored to the unique challenges of medical emergencies at sea.”

Ian Fik, Account Director at TSO, added:

“We are proud to support MCA in delivering the 24th edition of this essential publication. The enhancements in this edition, from updated medical content to its sustainable format, ensure it remains an invaluable resource for seafarers worldwide.”

Key features of the 24th edition: 

• Flow charts to guide evaluation and treatment
• ‘Red flags’ for identifying life-threatening conditions
• Clear, authoritative advice with step-by-step illustrations for emergency procedures.
• Revised content on spinal immobilisation and infectious diseases (including Covid-19), and updated antibiotics and medicines guides
• Anatomical illustrations for better understanding of medical conditions
• Available in a lighter, flexi-bound format made from 100% recycled materials

For more information and to access the 'Ship Captain’s Medical Guide: 24th edition, please visit the TSO Shop.