Dr Spike Briggs CEng FRCA is a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anaesthesia in the UK. He originally graduated with a degree in civil engineering, worked in the offshore industry for over ten years (including being at Piper Alpha in 1988), and then entered Medical School. He has sailed all his life, including a round the world yacht race in 1996. For the past twenty years, he has been involved in providing medical advice for many yacht races, including the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup. He is an adviser to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK, and is lead author of the latest edition of the Ship Captain’s Medical Guide. He has also written several other books on remote healthcare at sea and on land. He is a member of the Medical Commission for World Sailing, organising the medical aspects of international competitive sailing, including the Olympic Games. He is the owner and managing director of Medical Support Offshore Ltd, which provides support for superyachts, racing and leisure yachts, and commercial shipping worldwide.