Antigua and Barbuda Ship Medical Chest Regulation

Flag of Antigua and Barbuda

Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026

StatusMerchant Shipping (Ship’s Medical Stores) Directive 2026, Directive 002-2026, in force from 1 January 2026.
Applies toAll Antigua and Barbuda ships, subject to the exclusions stated in the Directive, including certain government ships, non-trading pleasure yachts, fishing vessels, non-mechanically propelled ships, harbour tugs and qualifying small commercial vessels.
Medical chest basisThe Directive permits compliance with one of four alternatives, as amended or replaced: the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships; MCA MSN 1905 (M+F); the German Merchant Shipping Medical Scales; or EU Council Directive 92/29/EEC. The vessel must follow the categories and quantities of the selected standard.
Regulatory relationNational Regulation + WHO-based / MCA-based / German-scale / EU alternatives.

Directive 002-2026 is the current Antigua and Barbuda instrument and replaces Directive 002-2022. Medical stores must be inspected by a qualified medical practitioner or pharmacist at least every 12 months, subject to the limited extension allowed by ADOMS.

Disclaimer: This page is a practical overview and not legal advice. Always check the current flag-state notices and vessel-specific requirements.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

01 · Confirm applicability

All Antigua and Barbuda ships, subject to the exclusions stated in the Directive, including certain government ships, non-trading pleasure yachts, fishing vessels, non-mechanically propelled ships, harbour tugs and qualifying small commercial vessels.

02 · Select the correct scale

The Directive permits compliance with one of four alternatives, as amended or replaced: the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships; MCA MSN 1905 (M+F); the German Merchant Shipping Medical Scales; or EU Council Directive 92/29/EEC. The vessel must follow the categories and quantities of the selected standard.

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 Regulation + WHO-based / MCA-based / German-scale / EU alternatives.
The flag-state’s current legislation and notices determine the final vessel-specific requirements.
!
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 flag-state 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
Merchant Shipping (Ship’s Medical Stores) Directive 2026, Directive 002-2026, in force from 1 January 2026.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
The Directive permits compliance with one of four alternatives, as amended or replaced: the WHO International Medical Guide for Ships; MCA MSN 1905 (M+F); the German Merchant Shipping Medical Scales; or EU Council Directive 92/29/EEC. The vessel must follow the categories and quantities of the selected standard.
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
Retain the inspection, certificate or verification evidence required by the applicable flag-state rules.

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.

Alternative accepted standard

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 chests tailored to the Antigua and Barbuda requirements and support the associated certification. Final contents must be checked against the current ADOMS Directive, the selected accepted standard and the vessel’s voyage profile.

Contact us