Medical resources aboard lifeboat
Lifeboats, life-rafts, life-floats, and other buoyant equipment should be properly supplied with essential provisions. All equipment must be of good quality, suitable for its intended purpose, and maintained in proper condition. Lifeboats used on ocean-going and coastal vessels should always be equipped with a first aid kit.

When ships operate in remote areas or colder regions, it is advisable to carry an additional, more comprehensive survival kit. This kit should be waterproof and ready to be placed aboard lifeboats or life-rafts when required. Such kits are typically designed to support about 20 to 30 survivors for a period of one week and include necessary medicines and surgical supplies.

The ship’s master is responsible for assigning a trained individual, usually the person in charge of the sick-bay and medical supplies, to prepare these survival kits. These kits should be stored in a place where the temperature is controlled, remaining above freezing but not exceeding room temperature. During abandonment of the ship, it is the responsibility of this designated person to ensure that the officer in charge of the lifeboat receives the medical kit.

Injectable morphine sulfate may be included in these kits for pain management. However, it must be stored securely in a locked compartment. Only the ship’s master and the designated officer should have access to the key or lock combination, and the storage should be checked regularly to ensure safety and proper control.