WFA
Wilderness First Aid training can be very valuable when we are miles away from any significant medical assistance. Note that we are often on open water without land in sight. Sailboats are slow – only cruising about 5 knots – and it can take hours to get you to a hospital. So, we need to be self-sufficient for most medical issues – until more significant help can be obtained. Therefore, any crew with a WFA certification gets priority consideration in the selection criteria for ComCruise.
WFA certification is good for two years. Note that every trek crew at Philmont must have 3 WFAs, and Sea Base and Northern Tier both require one WFA per crew. So, this is really valuable training. Remember that you must first earn the American Red Cross First Aid with CPR/AED certification before you can take the WFA course.
Below are some resources to obtain your WFA certification.
Resources
American Red Cross First Aid with CPR/AED Certification – find a local class here. Remember, this class is a pre-requisite for WFA.
Durham, NC – WFA class on May 2, 2026. This is a ‘blended class’ with an online portion and ‘hands-on’ portion. Space is limited. Get more information here. Total cost is approx $140.
Ft. Monroe, VA – WFA class offered at Sea Scout Academy on May 24. This is a ‘blended class’ with an online portion and ‘hands-on’ portion. Space is limited. Get more information here on the CST-15 Sea Scout Facebook page. Click on the Boarding Manual for details. Total cost is approx $160.
National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS) offers WFA classes around the country. Some are all classroom, some are blended courses. Get more information here. Approx cost are $200 – 425 depending on location and class format.
If you have a WFA certification, or can earn one before the cruise, please notify us ASAP!