Every vessel should have a suitable first-aid kit on board. A simple kit can be purchased from a chemist shop and supplemented with sunburn cream, seasickness tablets and a pair of side cutting pliers for removing fish hooks. Make sure it contains adequate wound and burn dressings.

The kit should be kept in a sturdy, watertight plastic container, clearly marked and secured in a position where anyone on board can reach it if necessary. A booklet giving basic first-aid methods is an essential addition to the kit. MSV recommends operators obtain first aid training.

More information on emergencies at transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv/emergency