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Marine Basic First Aid
Canadian Red Cross Marine Basic First Aid certification designed for people who work on or around the water. Meet Transport Canada requirements while gaining the confidence to respond to marine emergencies.
✓ Meets Transport Canada requirements for Marine Basic First Aid certification.
Is Marine Basic First Aid Right for You?
Marine Basic First Aid is designed for people who work or spend significant time on or around the water. Whether you’re meeting Transport Canada requirements or simply want the skills to respond in a marine environment, this course provides practical, hands-on training for emergencies that can occur onboard or near the shoreline.
Designed For
• Commercial fishers
• Boat operators and crew
• Marine transportation workers
• Harbour and marina personnel
• Recreational boating instructors
Course Snapshot
• 16-hour course
• Canadian Red Cross certification
• Transport Canada compliant
• Hands-on practical training
• Workplace and marine emergencies
Ready to Register
Browse upcoming Marine Basic First Aid courses or contact us to arrange private training for your crew or organization.
Skills You'll Learn
Through realistic demonstrations, guided practice, and hands-on scenarios, you’ll develop the skills and confidence to respond effectively to medical emergencies in marine and workplace environments. Learn to assess situations, take decisive action, and make informed decisions when every second counts.
Core First Aid Skills
- Perform a primary assessment of an injured or ill person
- Management environmental and immersion injuries
- Manage life-threatening emergencies
- Control bleeding and treat common injuries
- Perform CPR and use an AED
- Communicate effectively with emergency services
You'll Be Prepared To
Apply your training with confidence whether onboard a vessel, at the shoreline, or in the workplace.
- Respond to emergencies onboard vessels or ashore
- Stabilize an injured person until additional help arrives
- Apply first aid skills in challenging environments
- Meet Transport Canada MBFA certification requirements
- Act confidently during real-world emergencies
Marine Basic vs. Marine Advanced First Aid
Not sure which marine first aid course you need? Compare the two Transport Canada-recognized programs below to find the certification that is right for your role.
| Course Feature | Marine Basic First Aid | Marine Advanced First Aid |
|---|---|---|
| Designed For |
• Commercial fishers
• Deckhands • Small-vessel operators • Harbour personnel • Marina personnel |
• Masters
• Officers • Senior crew • Personnel with advanced onboard medical responsibilities |
|
Transport Canada MAFA Required For |
Not applicable to MBFA |
Any person designated to provide first aid onboard a vessel
engaged on a near-coastal voyage, Class 1,
or an unlimited voyage.
Also intended for participants seeking a master or officer certificate or endorsement. |
| Transport Canada Recognized | ✓ | ✓ |
| Canadian Red Cross Certification | ✓ | ✓ |
| CPR & AED | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hands-On Practical Training | ✓ | ✓ |
| Patient Assessment | Foundational | Advanced |
| Medical Emergencies | Foundational | Advanced |
| Trauma Management | Initial Care | Advanced Care |
| Environmental & Immersion Injuries | Included | Expanded |
| Extended Casualty Care | Not Included | Included |
| Advanced Medical Decision-Making | Not Included | Included |
| Course Length |
16 Hours
2 days
|
40 Hours
5 days
|
NEED MARINE ADVANCED TRAINING INSTEAD?
Click below to be taken to the
Marine Advanced First Aid (MAFA) page
Why Marine Professionals Choose LifeShield
Whether you’re working offshore, operating commercial vessels, supporting harbour operations, or preparing for recreational boating responsibilities, LifeShield delivers practical, hands-on Marine Basic First Aid training that prepares you for real-world emergencies.
Experienced Instructors
Learn from experienced emergency responders and Canadian Red Cross instructors who combine real-world operational experience with engaging, practical teaching.
Hands-On Training
Build confidence through realistic scenarios, practical skill stations, and guided coaching designed to prepare you for emergencies in marine and workplace environments.
Transport Canada Compliant
Our Marine Basic First Aid course meets Transport Canada requirements while providing nationally recognized Canadian Red Cross certification.
Trusted Across Atlantic Canada
Individuals, marine employers, businesses, and organizations across Atlantic Canada trust LifeShield for professional, high-quality first aid training.
READY TO REGISTER?
Review How to Take Marine Basic First Aid
Select your training format and location to view upcoming course dates and availability.
TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM
Classroom Training
Complete your Standard First Aid training in one instructor-led classroom session.
- 2-Day Course
- Hands-On Training
- CPR "C" + AED Included
CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
Recertification
Per Transport Canada, Marine Basic First Aid recertifications are not currently permitted.
TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM
Classroom Training Dates
Complete Marine BasicFirst Aid in a 2-day instructor-led classroom session. Choose your preferred training location to view upcoming dates.
Training a Group or Workplace?
Need BLS training for your team? We offer convenient on-site training for workplaces and groups throughout Nova Scotia