Australian Ship Medical Chest Regulation

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Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026
StatusAustralian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) medical and first-aid equipment requirements, including NSCV Part C7A for domestic commercial vessels.
Applies toAustralian vessels. The exact requirements depend on the vessel’s regulatory category, operational area, voyage, persons carried and onboard risk assessment.
Medical chest basisFor domestic commercial vessels, NSCV Part C7A uses medical-supply scales and a documented risk-based approach. Regulated Australian vessels must meet the applicable AMSA and marine-order requirements.
Regulatory relationNational Regulation.

Australian requirements are not simply a WHO list. The vessel operator must identify the applicable AMSA regime and carry medical and first-aid equipment appropriate to the vessel’s operation and risks.

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
Australian vessels. The exact requirements depend on the vessel’s regulatory category, operational area, voyage, persons carried and onboard risk assessment.
02 · Select the correct scale
For domestic commercial vessels, NSCV Part C7A uses medical-supply scales and a documented risk-based approach. Regulated Australian vessels must meet the applicable AMSA and marine-order 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 Regulation.
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
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) medical and first-aid equipment requirements, including NSCV Part C7A for domestic commercial vessels.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
For domestic commercial vessels, NSCV Part C7A uses medical-supply scales and a documented risk-based approach. Regulated Australian vessels must meet the applicable AMSA and marine-order requirements.
On-board working file
Inventory, expiry and vessel details
Maintain a current vessel-specific overview for replenishment and compliance checks.
✓
Compliance evidence
Supporting compliance records
Keep the supporting records needed to demonstrate that the medical chest matches the applicable scale.

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.

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 and first-aid equipment tailored to the applicable Australian vessel category and operating profile. Final contents must be checked against current AMSA requirements and the vessel’s documented risk assessment.

Contact us