UNITED KINGDOM — MSN 1905 (M+F), AMENDMENT 5

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Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026

StatusMSN 1905 (M+F), Amendment 5, published 13 August 2026 and updated 28 August 2026.
Applies toUK merchant ships and fishing vessels within the scope of the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Medical Stores) Regulations 1995 and applicable amendments, subject to the exclusions and vessel-specific conditions in the notice.
Medical chest basisThe minimum medical stores in Annex 1 for Category A, B and C vessels, together with the applicable Immediate Response Bag, passenger-vessel, first-aid and dangerous-cargo requirements.
Regulatory relationNational UK Regulation — MSN 1905 (M+F), Amendment 5.

MSN 1905 (M+F), Amendment 5 is the current Maritime and Coastguard Agency notice and replaces Amendment 4. The vessel category, voyage, persons on board, cargo and risk assessment determine the applicable medical inventory.

Disclaimer: This page is a practical overview and not legal advice. Always check the current MCA notice, vessel category, voyage, cargo and risk assessment.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

01 · Confirm applicability

UK merchant ships and fishing vessels within the scope of the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Medical Stores) Regulations 1995 and applicable amendments, subject to the exclusions and vessel-specific conditions in the notice.

02 · Select the correct scale

The minimum medical stores in Annex 1 for Category A, B and C vessels, together with the applicable Immediate Response Bag, passenger-vessel, first-aid and dangerous-cargo requirements.

03 · Maintain compliant stores

Keep medicines, medical equipment and first-aid supplies complete, in date and ready for use.

04 · Verify before inspection

Check the current official sources and vessel particulars before supply, replenishment or certification.

Regulatory framework
National UK Regulation — MSN 1905 (M+F), Amendment 5.
The current MCA notice and the vessel’s operational profile determine the final vessel-specific requirements.
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Dangerous goods & IMDG

Check cargo-specific medical-store requirements

Where dangerous goods are carried, review cargo-specific medical-store requirements and the current IMDG Code alongside this flag-state framework. The applicable UK rules remain controlling.

Open official IMO IMDG page ↗

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Keep the statutory basis and vessel-specific working records together so the medical chest can be checked efficiently on board.

Primary legislation
MSN 1905 (M+F), Amendment 5, published 13 August 2026 and updated 28 August 2026.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
The minimum medical stores in Annex 1 for Category A, B and C vessels, together with the applicable Immediate Response Bag, passenger-vessel, first-aid and dangerous-cargo requirements.
On-board working file
Inventory, expiry and vessel details
Maintain a current vessel-specific overview for replenishment and compliance checks.
✓
Compliance evidence
Inspection and certificate evidence
Keep the medical-stores checklist on board and record the competent-person review at least annually, as required by the current MCA notice.

HOW SEAFARMA CAN HELP

Seafarma can translate the applicable requirements into a practical vessel-specific supply, inspection and delivery workflow.

Scale review
Identify the applicable medical-store framework and vessel category.
Supply and replenishment
Prepare medicines, equipment and first-aid supplies for the applicable scale.
Inspection preparation
Support inventory checks and readiness for the applicable inspection process.
Ship delivery & agent coordination
Arrange worldwide delivery to the vessel and coordinate ETA, berth, agent details and handover instructions.

Dangerous Goods

When the vessel is carrying dangerous goods, the medical chest should also be in accordance with the following regulation:

get in touch

Seafarma can supply medical stores in accordance with the current UK requirements and can assist with inspection and certification. For questions, orders or quotations, please contact our staff.

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