Medical Curriculum
The Dive & Marine Life Support (DMLS) course introduces you to essential components of dive medicine, maritime medicine, sea survival, emergency medicine, and wilderness medicine. You’ll learn to recognize and help prevent acute and life-threatening conditions related to sailing, diving, and other water sports. You’ll also be trained to initiate the first stages of treatment.
A large part of the course consists of practical workshops on and around the water. Topics include shipboard healthcare, trauma at sea, travel medicine, the (patho)physiology of diving, drowning, hypothermia, treatment of marine stings and bites, search & rescue in aquatic incidents, and maritime communication. A portion of the theory will be offered prior to the course via e-learning and an online preparatory meeting on Zoom. During the week itself, the course will primarily consist of simulation training, hands-on workshops, and expert-led lectures.
Diving is an optional part of the course. To participate in the diving sessions, a minimum of an Open Water certification is required (which must be obtained before the course starts). If you’re unable to dive, you can take part in various alternative onboard or water-based activities.
Course Language
The course is conducted in English, unless there are no international participants.
Accommodation
We will be sailing with a flotilla of yachts along the Croatian coastline. These yachts will serve as our home base throughout the entire course. As part of the program, you’ll live and work onboard, and also help with sailing the boats. Accommodation is provided in shared cabins with fellow participants.
This year, we’ll be using two cabin yachts and one catamaran. There are, of course, differences between the two. A catamaran is a sailboat with two hulls, which provides significantly more deck space than a typical monohull yacht. It remains mostly level while sailing, offering greater onboard stability. In contrast, a monohull yacht heels more and provides a more “active” sailing experience. Due to the extra space, the catamaran will function as the “mothership” during the week, hosting joint activities and plenary presentations. You may indicate your preference for either type of vessel during registration (we will contact you if we’re unable to accommodate your request).
Target Audience
The DMLS course is designed for medical and paramedical professionals from all specialties who have an affinity for sailing, diving, and/or water sports. The course is tailored to all levels of experience. It’s also highly recommended for (aspiring) ship’s doctors. Accreditation has been requested.
The aim of the Dive & Marine Life Support course is to equip you—as a healthcare professional and water sports enthusiast—with practical, potentially life-saving knowledge and skills to apply in and around water environments.
Course Fee Includes:
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8 nights’ accommodation (cabin yacht or catamaran)
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All dives, including full use of diving equipment (regulator, BCD, tank, weights, fins, mask)
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Course Fee Excludes:
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Travel to and from the departure location (near Split, Croatia)
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Travel insurance (including coverage for diving/water sports) – this is mandatory for participation!
