Haven Ambulance

Haven Ambulance – A Legacy of Excellence in Maritime Medical Training, spanning over three decades.

Haven Ambulance has been a cornerstone of UK maritime medical training since 1989. The organisation was founded by Trevor Pearce, a former military serviceman who brought with him a wealth of operational experience, discipline, and a deep commitment to lifesaving care. Upon retiring from military service, Trevor recognised a critical gap in the standard of medical training available to mariners and set out to address it. His vision was clear from the beginning: to provide practical, high-quality first aid and medical care training tailored to the unique needs of those working at sea.

In the early 1990s, Trevor was joined by Yvonne Taylor, a highly skilled practitioner and trainer in her own right. Together, they formed a dynamic team that blended practical medical knowledge with instructional excellence. Their collaboration soon became instrumental in shaping national standards for maritime medical education. Working closely with a team of Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveyors, they played a pivotal role in designing and delivering the very first STCW Medical First Aid and STCW Medical Care courses in the UK. At a time when formalised, structured medical training for mariners was still in its infancy, Haven Ambulance helped lead the way.

Over the following two decades, Haven Ambulance earned a reputation for its uncompromising quality, attention to detail, and an approach that prioritised both real-world practicality and regulatory compliance. The company trained thousands of seafarers, from commercial deckhands to superyacht crews, coastguards, and offshore personnel. Each course was delivered with a focus on realism, relevance, and respect for the pressures faced at sea during a medical emergency.

In 2010, the company entered a new chapter by partnering with Doug Innes. This strategic alliance saw Haven begin offering STCW courses in Southampton—expanding its geographical reach and modernising its delivery methods while staying true to its founding principles. Doug’s background in Instructor development brought further technical depth and operational insight to the company, ensuring the courses remained at the cutting edge of maritime safety requirements.

The quality and impact of Haven’s work did not go unnoticed. The company has twice received National Training Awards—recognising its leadership, innovation, and enduring contribution to maritime safety and education in the UK.

In 2025, after more than three and a half decades of exceptional service to the maritime community, Trevor Pearce officially retired. As part of a carefully planned transition, he handed over the leadership of Haven Ambulance to his long-time colleagues and collaborators: Doug Innes of Chieftain Training, and Yvonne Taylor of KTY Yachts. Under their stewardship, the company relocated to Hamble—an established hub for maritime training and operations on the South Coast.

Though its location and leadership have evolved, Haven Ambulance continues to uphold the standards of professionalism, integrity, and excellence upon which it was founded. Every course is still delivered by instructors with extensive real-world experience, ensuring that each student gains not only theoretical knowledge but also practical confidence. Whether it’s a new deckhand preparing for their first voyage or an experienced officer renewing their qualifications, Haven’s training remains grounded in realism, compassion, and technical expertise.

Today, Haven Ambulance is proud to be part of the next chapter in maritime safety training—building on its legacy while continuing to evolve with the ever-changing demands of life at sea. Haven Ambulance is proud to be one of only a select few training providers in the UK authorised and trusted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to deliver peripatetic medical training. This special authorisation allows Haven to conduct STCW Medical First Aid and Medical Care courses at venues across the UK, offering flexibility and accessibility to employers without compromising on the high standards for which the company is known. Whether delivered at their Hamble base or on location, every Haven course remains rooted in practical expertise, STCW regulatory compliance, and a deep commitment to maritime safety.