The master is about to make the TMAS call. What information should be gathered and ready beforehand to make the call as useful as possible?

A. Vessel position, course, speed, and ETA to the nearest port; the casualty's age, what was observed (symptoms, when they started, any changes since); vital signs if anyone aboard can measure them (pulse, breathing rate, temperature, blood pressure if equipment and training allow); any known medical history or medication the casualty takes; and what first aid, if any, has already been given

B. Only the casualty's name and cabin number are needed — the doctor will ask for everything else as the call goes along

C. There is no need to prepare anything in advance, since the call is simply a casual conversation with a doctor

D. Only the vessel's position is relevant — medical details can be given later once the doctor has been reached

A. You do not need to diagnose what is wrong — facial drooping, slurred speech, and confusion are recognised warning signs (commonly taught as part of FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time) that something serious may be happening, possibly a stroke. Your job is to recognise the pattern, note the time symptoms started, and escalate immediately — not to work out exactly what condition it is

B. Wait and observe for an hour to see whether the symptoms are getting better or worse before telling anyone

C. Assume it is simple tiredness or dehydration and suggest they rest, since you have no medical training to say otherwise

D. Ask the crew member to self-diagnose, since they know their own body better than you do

A. Alert the master immediately — they hold overall responsibility for the medical response and for deciding whether to contact the company's TMAS (Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service) provider. On most ships the master or a designated medical officer/trained crew member makes the TMAS call, but the OOW's job is to raise the alarm without delay

B. Call the crew member's family directly first, since they have a right to know immediately

C. Wait until the end of your watch to report it through the normal handover process

D. Try to treat the condition yourself using the medical chest before telling anyone else