MSOS: Offering Global Medical Support Offshore
Medical Support Offshore (MSOS) is a trusted global leader in delivering top-tier medical support for clients navigating the world’s oceans. Offering a full suite of services, from 'off the shelf' to totally bespoke - including MCA-compliant offshore medical kits, 24/7 telemedical assistance, and specialist training worldwide - MSOS caters to yachts of all sizes: from the largest superyachts, expedition vessels, offshore racing fleets to private vessels cruising the world.
With its headquarters in Southampton, UK, and additional bases in Palma, Antibes and Fort Lauderdale, the company ensures seamless support 24/7 to vessels wherever they are in the world.
Their exceptionally qualified professional team on either side of the Atlantic are led by owner and Managing Director Dr. Spike Briggs, a practicing consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia, Advisor to the MCA and member of the Medical Commission for World Sailing, Author of the Ships Captain's Medical Guide and equally as important, a very keen sailor himself, having raced around the world!
For yachts, owners and crew looking for any form of medical support or services could not have a more experienced team to work with...so what do MSOS offer...?
Medical Kits
MSOS supplies essential medical kits, with a variation of kits to meet each a yacht and client's specific requirements. These include:
- Regulation-Compliant Commercial Kits: Available in MCA Category A, B, and C configurations for vessels engaged in chartering or other commercial activities. These modular kits are designed for intuitive use, organised by body system or medical function, and have been refined over 30 years based on real-world feedback.
- Private Boat Kits: Designed for cruising vessels navigating remote locations. These kits offer comprehensive medical support and can be customised with oxygen, defibrillators, and paediatric modules for specialized activities.
- Specialist Kits: Tailored for yacht racing events such as the Volvo Ocean Race and Vendée Globe. Housed in durable Pelicases, these kits ensure long-term protection of contents in harsh conditions.
- Medical & Rescue Equipment: Includes extraction stretchers, patient monitors, trauma recovery gear, imaging devices, and training kits to support emergency response needs.
MSOS Training Courses
MCA Approved Training Courses
MSOS is accredited by the MCA to deliver essential training courses, including Medical First Aid and Medical Care. The company also offers specialist more bespoke courses covering critical topics such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), oxygen and defibrillator use, advanced wound repair, and more. Additionally, familiarisation sessions are available when new medical kits are delivered to vessels.
These courses include:
- MCA Proficiency in Medical Care
- MCA Proficiency in Medical First Aid
- MCA Elementary First Aid
- MCA Updated Proficiency in Medical Care
- Onboard Training & Kit Familiarisation
Training sessions can be conducted at MSOS training centers in Palma, Southampton, Antibes, and Fort Lauderdale, or directly on board a client’s vessel, anywhere in the world.
All instructors are highly qualified medical professionals with extensive sailing experience, bringing first-hand knowledge of handling situations ranging from minor illnesses in the North Atlantic to serious injuries in the remote Southern Ocean.
For more detailed information on course content, schedules, and booking, visit the MSOS training page.
MSOS Training Course
Bespoke Onboard Training Courses
MSOS designs and runs specialised bespoke courses for specific yacht and client requirements, such as:
- In-water rescue
- Wilderness medicine
- First aid for children
- Oxygen administration
- Casualty evacuation
There is a distinct advantage in holding these courses on the client vessel, to increase the situational awareness of crew. Courses can focus on using existing client medical kit and equipment, or trialling new items.
MSOS Training Courses
Telemedical Support
MSOS offers 24/7 telemedical support, connecting vessels directly to UK-based doctors who specialize in remote medicine, telemedical care and emergency response. Medical advice is tailored to the vessel's location, conditions and available resources. In emergencies, MSOS coordinates with International Search and Rescue (SAR) teams to arrange evacuations, providing vital information about on-board medical capabilities.
MSOS can also organise medical evacuation from all areas of the world, returning injured or unwell crew to their own country for continuing medical care.
Telemedical support can be accessed by telephone (mobile and satellite), text and email. Photographs and video clips are also extremely useful in formulating diagnoses and advising on treatment.
Themis Telemedical Communication Platform (TCP)
MSOS has unrivalled experience delivering Telemedical Support through their team of UK-based Doctors, often under challenging circumstances in the remotest areas of the world.
Themis Telemedical Communication Platform (TCP)
Their Themis Telemedical Communication Platform (TCP) is a case management system that provides the capability for recording all medical information of an incident, including measuring vital signs in real-time, transmitting the information to an onshore Control Room. The purpose of the system is to provide full availability of all information regarding a casualty, including physiological parameters and medical background, to the advising Doctor. This will ensure the Doctor has all relevant information to hand, to aid diagnosis and advice given to the client.
The Themis TCP is completely integral to telemedical support offshore but can equally be used in remote locations on land, and on aircraft. The only requirement for usual operation is internet access, although it can operate independently offline.
For more information and to enquire about the Themis TCP, follow this link.
PEACE OF MIND...GO ANYWERE
MSOS Staff from around the world - Southampton 2023
Visit Medical Support Offshore (MSOS) for more information and contact details!