Marshall Islands Ship Medical Chest Regulation

Flag of the Marshall Islands

Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026

StatusRepublic of the Marshall Islands Marine Notice MN 7-042-1, revision June 2024.
Applies toAll vessels registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with vessel-specific requirements based on route, operation, persons on board and whether a doctor is carried.
Medical chest basisMN 7-042-1 adopts the WHO Quantification Addendum to the International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition, as guidance and adds RMI requirements for inventory, records, inspection, controlled drugs and special vessel types.
Regulatory relationNational Regulation + WHO-based.

The current RMI Notice supersedes the September 2023 version. Operators should apply the June 2024 notice together with the WHO guide and the vessel-specific inventory guidance in the Notice.

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 vessels registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, with vessel-specific requirements based on route, operation, persons on board and whether a doctor is carried.

02 · Select the correct scale

MN 7-042-1 adopts the WHO Quantification Addendum to the International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition, as guidance and adds RMI requirements for inventory, records, inspection, controlled drugs and special vessel types.

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.
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
Republic of the Marshall Islands Marine Notice MN 7-042-1, revision June 2024.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
MN 7-042-1 adopts the WHO Quantification Addendum to the International Medical Guide for Ships, Third Edition, as guidance and adds RMI requirements for inventory, records, inspection, controlled drugs and special vessel types.
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.

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 Marshall Islands requirements and vessel profile. Final contents must be checked against the current official flag-state instrument and vessel-specific requirements.

Contact us