Lessons Learned from ER-Marine - AED's

At ER-MARINE we take safety as our highest priority. Our work involves surveying vessels and working close with offshore contractors in South Korea.

Recently, we observed something we believe the entire offshore community should consider. It's about AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) and how they're stored on board. What we observed could be a matter of life and death.

AEDs on board Ships

Let’s start with why AEDs are so crucial, especially on board ships. According to the International Medical Guide for Ships (3rd edition, WHO), AEDs are designed to save lives when someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation—an abnormal heart rhythm that stops effective pumping. The AED can detect this rhythm and, if needed, deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

Importantly, these devices are simple enough for anyone to use, even without medical training, and they are most effective when used within the first 2-3 minutes of an arrest. In those critical moments, every second counts!

What We Observed: AEDs Locked Away

During our recent vessel surveys, we noticed a concerning trend: AEDs stored behind multiple locked doors in the onboard hospital.

Imagine this scenario: someone collapses from a cardiac arrest. The crew rushes to get the AED, but instead of grabbing it immediately, they’re delayed by locked doors—first at the hospital entrance, then again within a locked locker. In an emergency, these delays could cost precious minutes, dramatically reducing the chances of survival.

This setup is not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. AEDs should not be treated as just another piece of equipment tucked away behind barriers. They are critical life-saving tools that need to be accessible at a moment’s notice.

Rethinking AED Storage: Making Every Second Count

Based on what we’ve seen, we believe that AEDs should be stored in a location that is clearly marked and easily accessible—places where crew members or passengers can reach them quickly. Common areas, crew corridors, or any other easily reachable spots are ideal. Yes, there might be concerns about tampering or theft, but when weighed against the potential to save a life, the choice is clear.

The real question is, how seriously do you take safety on your vessel? Is it a core priority embedded in your daily operations, or just something you check off during an inspection?

ER-Marine: Your Local Safety Partner

We’re not theorizing from a desk. We’re out there in the field, working alongside offshore operators and crews, witnessing firsthand what works and what doesn’t.

Our extensive experience in vessel surveys and offshore operations in South Korea gives us a unique perspective on maritime safety. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about safety practices, ensuring your vessel is as prepared as possible for any emergency.

What’s Your Take?

We want to hear from you. How do you handle AED storage on your vessels? Is safety a genuine priority for you, or is it more of a tick-the-box exercise?

And in your opinion, where is the best place to keep an AED onboard?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other and make sure we’re all doing everything we can to keep our maritime operations safe!