In 2026, new regulations will take effect that require cruise operators to have at least one physician onboard trained in Point of Care Ultrasound (PoCUS). Onboard doctors should, at a minimum, be trained in basic ultrasound physics, knobology, vascular access procedural guidance, extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (EFAST), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

PoCUS is a limited ultrasound examination to answer specific questions that may guide clinical assessment and treatment decisions. Clinicians can use PoCUS to perform exams right at the patient's bedside, and its size, cost and portability make it ideal for maritime applications.

To meet this new requirement, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member ships will need to have a PoCUS unit onboard, as well as a doctor with the training and skills to perform exams with it.

These new ultrasound systems will be used to perform various types of guest and crew medical exams, including trauma, obstetric, cardiac and paediatric. From broken bones to growing babies, ultrasound provides a real-time view inside the body to help doctors better diagnose and treat patients.

At VIKAND, we have the experience and capabilities to handle both the staffing and equipment requirements of these new regulations. In addition to hundreds of trained medical professionals serving cruise ships around the world, VIKAND has a full Biomedical Operations team that manages more than 12,000 devices across 225+ vessels, from ventilators and x-ray machines to defibrillators, oxygen concentrators, incubators, infusion pumps and more.

VIKAND has robust experience in a full range of lab equipment, but a new diagnostic imaging division is expanding our clinical capabilities with ultrasound, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and more. In anticipation of 2026, our team is already developing shoreside training solutions for doctors who need to be trained in PoCUS, ultrasound physics, knobology and other relevant modalities.

However, incorporating ultrasound into a vessel’s medical program is a complex process that extends far beyond skills training. That’s why VIKAND Biomedical Operations, along with our Procurement team, is prepared to handle equipment selection, purchasing, installation, training, troubleshooting and general maintenance. This commitment extends worldwide, with maintenance partners who can meet client ships nearly anywhere for onsite maintenance and repairs.

When it comes to PoCUS systems in particular, there are numerous manufacturers and models with a range of options and accessories. Our team can help clients choose and customise the right ultrasound systems for their fleet, taking into account a wide range of variables impacting their unique imaging needs.

Is your cruise line ready for 2026? VIKAND is here to assist. Reach out to our team today to learn more about these upcoming changes to CLIA regulations and to speak about your fleet’s specific device requirements. We can help ensure that your ships are ready to deliver ultrasound exams, giving guests and crew a new level of care and peace of mind onboard.