Over the years since its first publication in 1972, more than 30,000 bluewater sailors have looked to this book when injury or illness struck at sea. Virtually every accident or ailment that might happen when professional medical care is unavailable is squarely faced and dealt with, using layman's language and step-by-step instructions that allay panic and calmly take the reader from diagnosis through treatment to followup care. The fifth edition brings this standard work up to date with current medical practice. Diagrams inside the front and back covers point the reader to the section of the book that should be consulted. Each section starts with a short account of a possible accident or sickness that might occur on a voyage, and then lists the steps to be taken by the caregiver.