AEDs for the Maritime Sector

In the maritime sector, where quick access to medical help is often difficult, an AED is an indispensable, life saving item to carry when offshore or at sea.  Whether maritime, offshore or recreational, an AED provides extra security during emergency situations. The devices on this page are ideal for the maritime industry and suitable for both inland and offshore use.

The unique conditions experienced when offshore, were taken into account during development, including water resistance, multilingual options, user-friendliness and easy maintenance. In addition, these AEDs include all specifications to withstand the challenging conditions at sea or offshore, such as moisture, vibration and temperature fluctuations.

Directly request a quote for a maritime AED? Fill in the form at the bottom of the page and receive a quick response. 

Why an AED on a vessel or offshore is indispensable

At sea, it can take many hours for medical help to arrive. In a cardiac arrest, every second counts, without rapid resuscitation and defibrillation, the chances of survival decrease by 10% per minute. It is therefore crucial that crew members can act immediately. An AED analyses the heart rhythm and if necessary, administers an electric shock to restart the heart. This can save precious time while waiting for professional medical help to arrive.

Recommended AEDs

Discover our extensive range of AEDs, perfectly tailored to the maritime sector. The models below are available as both semi-automatic and fully automatic models. They have a high IP rating and are available in English and several other languages. At the bottom of this page, you can directly request a quotation for a maritime AED.

What requirements are necessary for a maritime AED?

Not every AED is suitable for the challenging conditions at sea or offshore. A maritime AED must meet certain requirements, such as:

• High water and dust resistance: A high IP rating (preferably IP55 or higher) protects the AED from moisture and dust.
• Robustness: Due to harsh weather conditions and movements, the AED must be able to withstand shock and vibration.
• Simple operation and clear instructions: In emergency situations, the AED should be quick and intuitive to use, even by those without medical experience. In addition, an AED with spoken and visual instructions in multiple languages is ideal for international crews and personnel. Therefore, choose a multilingual AED.

These specifications make the following AED ideally suited for maritime use:

Storage and accessories for maritime AEDs

To keep your AED in good condition, it is important to store it in a dry and well ventilated place, preferably in a protected cabinet or suitable carry case. AEDs function best within a limited temperature range. Extreme cold or heat can affect battery performance and damage the electrodes. It is therefore important to store the AED in an easily accessible but temperature-controlled location. For fixed installations on land, outdoor cabinets with heating and ventilation are often used to regulate temperature fluctuations. On ships and in offshore environments, this can be more difficult because the cabinets need to be connected to mains electricity, so it is advisable to store the AED out of direct sunlight and frost-prone areas, for example in a controlled indoor space that is easily accessible in emergencies.

It is also important to use clear signage so that the crew, passengers or staff can quickly see where the AED is located.

Maintenance for Maritime AEDs

Besides buying a suitable AED device and AED accessories, regular maintenance is essential. To keep your AED in good condition, it is important to:

• Regularly check the status indicator of the AED.
• Have spare batteries and electrodes available.
• Have an annual inspection to ensure reliability, for example with Medisol's One-Time Maintenance.

Also download our free Maritime AED checklist as a handy tool to check weekly or monthly whether your AED is still in good working condition. 

AED quotation request

An AED on board a ship or in any type of offshore environment is highly necessary. It can literally save lives in a situation where medical help is not quickly accessible. Invest in a reliable AED and make your ship or offshore environment safer for everyone.
Request an immediate no-obligation quotation and receive expert advice tailored to your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of AED is best for Maritime environments?

AEDs for use offshore or at sea should have a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating or be kept in a suitable safety case to resist water and dust. Recommended values are IP55 or higher.

Can an AED be used in wet conditions?

Yes, many AEDs are designed for use in wet environments. However, if you are able, ensure that the victim and the immediate surroundings are as dry as possible before using the device.

How do I maintain a maritime AED?

Regular maintenance includes checking the battery and electrodes, performing self-tests and storing the AED in a dry, safe and easily accessible place. Download our free Maritime AED checklist as a handy tool to regularly check that your AED is still in good working condition.

Are AEDs resistant to saltwater environments?

Many AEDs suitable for maritime use, are manufactured from robust materials that can resist the corrosion that can occur from longtime exposure to saltwater. The use of a protective case is recommended to prolong the service life of your device.

What accessories do I need for an AED on board a ship or offshore?

A waterproof case or a good AED case and a towel are essential to be prepared for maritime emergencies. The purchase of an AED from Medisol includes a free rescue kit as standard. This kit includes items such as clothing scissors, a cloth and a breathing mask. Make sure you keep the rescue kit with the AED at all times. Keep an eye on the shelf life of the electrodes and battery of your AED and order new ones in time when needed. 

How do I ensure the AED is accessible to all staff or crew members?

Place the AED in a clearly marked, central location and make sure all staff or crew members are trained in its use. To indicate where the AED is on board, you can use stickers and signs with the International AED icon.

Can AEDs be used on children or babies during maritime emergencies?

Yes, but special paediatric electrodes or a device with a paediatric mode may be needed. Check if your AED model supports this functionality. Paediatric electrodes are also for use on smaller adults weighing less than 25 kg.

How often should I train staff or crew members to use an AED?

Ideally, training should be conducted annually to ensure that everyone is familiar with how to use the AED.

What happens when an AED is exposed to extreme temperatures?

AEDs have specific temperature ranges for use and storage. Exposure to extreme heat or cold can damage the device. Check the manual for guidelines, especially in maritime environments where conditions can vary greatly.