Ship's Physician & Maritime Medicine

Medicine
at open sea

Providing professional medical care aboard sailing vessels and expedition ships — with deep experience navigating both ocean and emergency.

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N S E W
About

A physician who knows the weight of responsibility at sea

With years of experience serving as the sole medical officer aboard ocean-going vessels and in remote rural areas, I provide comprehensive care for crew and passengers in some of the world's most demanding environments — far beyond the reach of conventional healthcare.

My background spans tall-ship expeditions and smaller racing vessels, treating everything from seasickness and minor injuries to acute emergencies requiring immediate, resourceful clinical decision-making.

I hold certifications in advanced trauma life support, and have extensive experience in remote emergency medicine, and bring a calm, competent presence to every voyage.

MD Medicine — Exam university of Lund 2002
Specialist Family Medicine 2009
ATLS Advanced Trauma Life Support 2005
Lang. Fluent Norwegian · English · Swedish Basic Spanish · German
Sea Experience
2008 – Present
Statsraad Lehmkuhl
Served as ship's doctor aboard this legendary Norwegian training barque during multiple voyages in the north Atlantic. Responsible for the medical wellbeing of crew and students at sea.
Barque/Tallship · Bergen, Norway
2026 – Present
S/Y Iris
A 46-foot performance cruiser based in Sweden, focused on offshore passages and Baltic racing. I was the physician for this sailing vessel during Gotland runt 2026, providing the medical service needed to make sure the crew was at their best during the 300 nautical miles long race.
Cruising and racing yacht · Saltsjöbaden, Stockholm
2003 – 2007
Fullriggeren Sørlandet
This is the oldest full-rigger in the world still sailing. I was the inofficial medical physician during diverse sailing conditions for this vessel to several of the northern British Isles and to France.
Fullrigger/Tallship · Kristiansand, Norway
What I offer

Medical services for vessels
of all kinds

⚕
On-board Medical Officer
Full-time ship's physician for ocean crossings, expeditions, and long voyages. Daily sick bay, crew health management, and 24/7 emergency response.
🧭
Expedition Medicine
Specialised care for remote expeditions where medical evacuation may be delayed. Pre-expedition health screening and in-field treatment.
🎓
Training Ship Support
Medical cover for tall ships and sail-training vessels carrying cadets and trainees. Experience from multiple international voyages.
🩺
Pre-Voyage Health Assessment
Crew and passenger fitness-for-sea evaluations, medication planning, and medical kit review tailored to the voyage profile and remoteness.
📡
Telemedicine Consultation
Remote medical guidance for ships that need professional clinical advice while underway. Available for referral and second opinions via satellite comms.
At sea

Chosen for demanding voyages
for good reason

"The sea does not forgive unpreparedness. Neither does medicine. The intersection of the two demands someone who is equally at home with a stethoscope and a sextant — in spirit, if not in skill."
5,000+ Nautical miles at sea
7+ Years maritime and remote rural medicine.
3 Notable vessels served
Contact

Ready for the next voyage

Enquiries for upcoming expeditions and long voyages. Feel free to reach out to discuss your next adventure's needs.

petterwr@gmail.com
Based in Malmö, Sweden · Available internationally