
The Short Hander Kit is specifically designed for single-handed or short-handed vessels crossing oceans in accordance with OSR Category 0 race requirements for far offshore passages greater than 150 nautical miles from land. Under World Sailing OSR regulations, Category 0 vessels must carry comprehensive medical equipment suitable for trans-oceanic conditions where boats "must be completely self-sufficient for very extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance."
Suitable for
The Short Hander Kit is ideal for:
- Single-handed ocean crossings and circumnavigations
- Short-handed crews (2-3 people) on extended offshore passages
- OSR Category 0 compliant racing vessels with minimal crew
- Solo adventurers and small crews undertaking trans-oceanic voyages
- Vessels operating beyond helicopter rescue range where complete self-sufficiency is essential
This kit recognises the unique challenges faced by solo sailors and minimal crews operating in remote ocean areas where professional medical assistance may be days away, requiring exceptional self-reliance in medical emergencies.
Kit Contents
The Short Hander Kit is housed in a watertight dry bag or Pelicase, ensuring maximum protection in harsh marine environments whilst maintaining accessibility for solo operation. The kit includes:
- Comprehensive trauma management supplies for serious injuries requiring self-treatment
- Advanced wound care and emergency surgical supplies
- Self-administration medications and clearly labelled treatments
- Airway management tools designed for solo emergency response
- Pain relief and emergency medications for extended passages
- Seasickness and severe dehydration treatments
- Emergency splinting and immobilisation equipment
- Burns treatment supplies and comprehensive eye care
- Solo-operation instruction guides with illustrated step-by-step procedures
- Emergency communication aids and signalling equipment
The kit is specifically organised with solo operation in mind, featuring large, clear labelling, logical organisation, and comprehensive guidance that enables effective self-treatment or treatment of a small crew member during critical medical emergencies when external assistance is not available.
Training and Compliance
OSR Category 0 regulations require at least one crewmember to hold STCW A-VI/4-2 (Proficiency In Medical Care) certificate or equivalent, plus additional crew with valid first aid certification, ensuring competency in offshore medical procedures.
For more information
Solo sailing and short-handed ocean crossings demand the highest level of medical preparedness and self-sufficiency. The Short Hander Kit provides comprehensive medical support specifically tailored for the unique challenges of operating with minimal crew in remote ocean environments where rescue may be days away.
For further details on the Short Hander Kit or to discuss customisation for your specific voyage requirements, contact MSOS today. We can provide expert guidance on medical provision for solo and short-handed ocean adventures.

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Each kit is supplied with a Skipper’s Medical Reference Guide with details of each item and guidance on it’s use and a Skippers Handbook written by Dr Spike Briggs.