Picture this: you’re sitting in the control room of a superyacht, the sun setting over another amazing day at sea. The salty breeze coming in through the windows carries a sense of adventure and freedom. But before you can start this life at sea, there’s one crucial step—getting your STCW certification.

The maritime industry is bound by strict safety standards and STCW training is at the heart of it all. Whether you’re an aspiring deckhand, engineer or part of the hospitality crew on a superyacht, understanding STCW courses and acquiring basic safety skills is key.

In this guide we break down everything you need to know about STCW training, from costs and duration to refresher requirements and where to sign up.

What is STCW and Why Does it Matter?

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping. This internationally recognised convention was created by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure all seafarers, whatever their role, receive proper training in safety, security and emergency procedures.

The training also includes essential skills in basic maritime personal survival, which are crucial for maintaining competency in safety responsibilities at sea.

Who Needs STCW Certification?

STCW training is mandatory for:

Crew members working on commercial vessels over 24 meters.
Superyacht crew members, including deck, engineering and interior staff.
Offshore industry professionals, e.g. those working on oil rigs or ferries.
Maritime students and aspiring seafarers looking to get into the industry.

In short, if you’re going to sea, STCW certification is non-negotiable.

Benefits of STCW Training

The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) training program offers numerous benefits to individuals working in the maritime industry. Here are some key advantages:

Enhanced Safety Skills: One of the primary benefits of STCW training is the development of essential safety skills. Courses like personal survival techniques and basic fire fighting equip you with the knowledge to handle emergencies effectively, ensuring your safety and that of your crew.
Improved Job Prospects: Holding an STCW certification can significantly boost your career in the maritime industry. Employers prioritize candidates who have completed STCW basic training, as it demonstrates a commitment to safety and professionalism.
Compliance with Regulations: STCW training ensures you meet the minimum standards of competence required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the US Coast Guard (USCG). This compliance is crucial for legal and operational reasons, making you a more attractive candidate for maritime positions.
Increased Confidence: Completing STCW courses, such as first aid CPR and personal safety social responsibilities, can boost your confidence in handling emergency situations. This confidence translates to better performance and a safer working environment.
Reduced Risk of Accidents: By providing you with the knowledge to identify and mitigate hazards, STCW training helps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. This proactive approach to safety is invaluable in the high-risk maritime environment.

In summary, STCW training is not just a regulatory requirement but a vital investment in your maritime career, enhancing your skills, job prospects, and overall safety.

What’s Included in STCW Courses?

STCW courses cover essential safety and emergency procedures to prepare crew members for potential hazards at sea. The training is governed by the STCW Code which sets minimum standards all maritime professionals must meet.

Depending on your role you may need to complete different levels of STCW training from STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) to more specialized STCW basic training courses for deckhands, engineers or hospitality staff.

The basic safety training course is a crucial requirement for individuals aiming to work in the maritime industry, equipping seafarers with essential safety skills and knowledge needed for effective teamwork and emergency response aboard ships.

How Many Courses are There in STCW?

The core of STCW training starts with STCW Basic Safety Training which consists of five modules. But there are additional STCW courses depending on your career path in the maritime industry. These include:

Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) – For officers and senior crew responsible for emergency response, this course meets the fire fighting training requirements outlined in the STCW Code.
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) – Required for crew members operating survival craft and rescue boats.
Medical First Aid (MFA) & Medical Care (MC) – For crew responsible for medical emergencies onboard, covering first aid and CPR.
Crowd Management and Crisis Management – For those working on passenger vessels.
Security Awareness and Designated Security Duties (DSD) – For crew members with specific security responsibilities.

Your STCW training requirements will depend on your role and the type of vessel you work on.

What Are the 5 Modules of STCW Basic Safety Training?

Every aspiring seafarer must complete STCW Basic Safety Training, which includes five modules:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – Teaches how to handle life-threatening situations at sea, including abandoning ship and using life rafts.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) – Covers fire hazards, firefighting requirements, and emergency response tactics.
Elementary First Aid (EFA) – Provides basic first aid skills, including CPR training requirements and treating injuries onboard.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – Focuses on personal safety social responsibilities and fostering a positive safety culture.
Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) – Covers security threats and emergency protocols for protecting the vessel and crew.

Each of these modules gives maritime professionals the essential knowledge to respond in emergencies. Additionally, a basic training refresher is crucial for maintaining competency, especially for those who have not accumulated one year of sea time in the past five years.

Advanced Fire Fighting and Security Training

Advanced fire fighting and security training are critical components of the STCW training program, designed to prepare maritime professionals for complex emergency situations. Here’s what you can expect from these advanced courses:

Fire Prevention and Detection: Advanced fire fighting training delves deeper into fire prevention strategies and detection methods. You’ll learn how to identify potential fire hazards and implement measures to prevent fires from starting.
Fire Fighting Techniques and Strategies: This training covers advanced fire fighting techniques and strategies, including the use of various fire fighting equipment and appliances. You’ll gain hands-on experience in handling different types of fires, ensuring you’re prepared for any scenario.
Use of Fire Fighting Equipment and Appliances: Understanding how to use fire fighting equipment effectively is crucial. The course provides practical training on the operation and maintenance of fire fighting appliances, ensuring you’re ready to respond swiftly in an emergency.
Security Awareness and Vigilance: Security training focuses on enhancing your awareness and vigilance regarding potential security threats. You’ll learn to recognize suspicious activities and understand the protocols for maintaining security on board.
Recognition of Security Risks and Threats: The course teaches you to identify various security risks and threats, from piracy to terrorism. This knowledge is essential for protecting the vessel, crew, and passengers.
Response to Security Incidents and Emergencies: Finally, you’ll learn how to respond to security incidents and emergencies effectively. This includes understanding the chain of command, communication protocols, and emergency procedures.

Advanced fire fighting and security training are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle complex emergencies and prevent accidents. By completing these courses, you’ll be better prepared to ensure the safety and security of your vessel and crew.

How Much Does the STCW Course Cost?

The cost of STCW training varies depending on location, training provider and course type. Here’s a rough guide:

STCW Basic Safety Training (BST):

United States: $800 – $1,500
Europe: $1,194 – $1,406 (€1100 – €1295)
South Africa: $350 – $540 (ZAR 6,500 – ZAR 10,000)

Advanced STCW Courses:

United States: $1,300 – $3,500
Europe: $1,525 – $1,843 (€1400 – €1695)
South Africa: $405 – $540 (ZAR 7,500 – ZAR 10,000)

STCW Refresher Courses:

United States: $800 – $1,195
Europe: $626 – $1,411 (€575 to €1295)
South Africa: $350 – $540 (ZAR 6,500 – ZAR 10,000)

Prices may vary between training centres and are often higher in areas with fewer training providers.

How Many Days is the STCW Course?

The duration of STCW basic training courses depends on the course:

STCW Basic Safety Training: 5 to 7 days.
Advanced STCW Courses: 3 days to 2 weeks.
Refresher Courses: 1 to 2 days per module.
STCW Basic Training Refresher: 1 to 2 days, designed to update mariners on essential skills such as personal survival techniques, fire fighting prevention, and first aid. This course is specifically intended for those who lack a year of sea time within the last five years.

Plan ahead as courses fill up quickly, especially during peak hiring season for yacht and maritime crew.

Which STCW Courses Need to be Refreshed?

STCW certificates don’t last forever. Some courses require STCW basic training revalidation to ensure crew members are up to date with current regulations. These include:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – Every 5 years.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) – Every 5 years.
Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) – Every 5 years.
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) – Every 5 years.

A basic training refresher course is also part of the revalidation process, designed to refresh critical maritime safety skills for mariners who lack a year of sea time within the last five years.

Keep track of your STCW revalidation dates to avoid disruptions to your maritime career.

Where to do STCW Courses?

There are many STCW training providers worldwide but you need to choose an accredited institution. Certified Training Academy offers full STCW courses to meet international standards. If you want to do it in person in Cape Town, South Africa, check out available courses here: STCW course availability in Cape Town.

Choosing the Right Training Provider

When choosing an STCW basic training provider consider:

Accreditation: Ensure the institution is approved by the relevant maritime authorities.
Course Offerings: Some centers specialize in specific STCW Code section modules so verify they offer the course you need.
Location & Facilities: Look for a provider with good practical training environments and simulation exercises.
Pricing & Scheduling: Compare training certification and watchkeeping course costs and availability to fit your budget and timeline.

Final Thoughts: Why STCW Training is a Must for your Maritime Career

If you want to work at sea, STCW certification is your entry ticket. It’s not just about compliance – it’s about safety responsibilities, professionalism and preparedness in the maritime industry.

By doing the necessary courses and keeping your STCW certificate up to date you will increase your employability and readiness for life onboard. If you are ready to start your basic training course check out available courses and successfully complete your certification today!

STCW Courses: Everything You Need to Know