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A vessel's first-aid kit should primarily include basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, gauze, adhesive tape, and other essentials for treating minor injuries and health issues that may arise onboard. The focus of a first-aid kit is to provide immediate care and stabilization for injuries until further medical help can be accessed if necessary.

While advanced medical equipment may be useful in certain scenarios, it is often not practical for a first-aid kit on a vessel, where space and ease of access are crucial. Emergency survival gear encompasses items like life vests or flares, which, while essential for safety, fall outside the scope of first-aid care. Personal toiletries, while important for crew comfort, do not contribute to the immediate medical response needed in emergencies on board.

Therefore, the inclusion of basic medical supplies is vital to ensure that crew members are prepared to handle common medical issues effectively and efficiently during their time at sea.