Seaworth Holding and Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital Launch Joint Emergency Care Training Program
Safeguarding the Health and Safety of Distant-Water Fishing Crews
▲Medical professionals from Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital pose for a group photo with executives from SEAWORTH HOLDING.
To strengthen frontline emergency medical response capabilities aboard distant-water fishing vessels, Seaworth Holding Co., Ltd. has partnered with Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH) to develop a customized Emergency Care Training Program for Distant-Water Fishing Crews. Officially launched on September 3, 2026, the program aims to improve communication with shore-based medical teams and the delivery of onboard care, while reducing operational risks associated with emergency returns to port and unscheduled port calls due to crew injuries or illness.
Distant-water fishing vessels operate far from shore for extended periods and face unique challenges due to their remote locations and demanding maritime environments. When sudden injuries or illnesses occur, medical resources are often limited, healthcare professionals cannot provide immediate on-site assistance, and medical evacuation may require considerable time.
Guided by its commitment to humanitarian care and crew health and safety, Seaworth Holding is strengthening senior crew members’ ability to provide emergency care for themselves and fellow crew members. The training aims to help participants assess medical emergencies and provide initial care while awaiting in-person medical assistance or evacuation, with remote medical guidance when available. These skills can help bridge the gap until further medical care is available and reduce disruptions to fleet operations caused by emergency returns to port and unscheduled port calls.
▲Participants receive hands-on training in injection techniques and IV infusion setup under the guidance of the medical team.
The customized curriculum was jointly developed by Seaworth Holding and the KSVGH medical team based on actual working conditions aboard distant-water fishing vessels and the practical needs of senior crew members. The inaugural session featured three attending physicians and three training assistants providing intensive hands-on instruction to six participants.
The curriculum covered the use of onboard medical monitoring devices, basic bleeding control, wound care, suturing, immobilization, and injection techniques. Participants practiced wound suturing using porcine skin and received additional hands-on training in injection techniques and intravenous (IV) infusion setup. The program aimed to build their confidence and practical skills in responding to medical emergencies at sea.
▲The medical team provides instruction on the use of medical equipment as participants engage in hands-on practice.
“This is exactly what we need,” one participant told an instructor while practicing injection techniques and IV infusion setup.
Throughout the training, participants remained fully engaged in learning medical procedures and operating essential medical equipment. With real-time guidance from the medical team and repeated hands-on practice, they developed greater confidence in assessing and responding to medical emergencies. Several participants noted that the training made previously unfamiliar procedures easier to understand and increased their confidence in providing initial care during emergencies at sea.
▲Participants practice basic suturing techniques under the guidance of the medical team.
Upon completing the intensive program, participants proudly posed for photographs with certificates of completion issued by KSVGH. They also received training materials for continued practice and medical equipment for onboard use.
The program provided participants with essential emergency care knowledge and practical training, helping prepare them to play a vital frontline role in safeguarding crew health and safety at sea.
(Publication date : 2026/09/03)
▲Upon completion of the training program, participants hold their certificates of completion and pose for a group photo with the medical team.