STCW Basic Training explained

STCW Basic Safety Training is the mandatory safety certificate almost every new crew member needs. Here is what it covers, how long it takes and what it costs.

What STCW Basic Training covers

STCW Basic Safety Training is the mandatory safety course nearly every new crew member takes. It consists of four mandatory modules, and is usually sold as a five-day week because a fifth component (Proficiency in Security Awareness) is bundled in:

• PST — Personal Survival Techniques
• FPFF — Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
• EFA — Elementary First Aid
• PSSR — Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
• PSA — Proficiency in Security Awareness (commonly added; no expiry)

How long and how much

The course runs about five days. On cost, bluewater lists STCW Basic Safety Training at around €1,295, and the broader market sits roughly in the £850–£1,300 / €1,000–€1,500 range. Prices change — confirm with the school before booking.

Where to train

Common training hubs include Antibes, Palma and Fort Lauderdale, and in the UK schools such as UKSA and Flying Fish.

Validity and refreshers

Under the STCW 2010 (Manila) amendments, the fire and survival elements are refreshed every five years — a shorter refresher of roughly two to three days (bluewater lists this at around €690). The EFA, PSSR and PSA elements are not refresher-required. See the IMO STCW Convention for the underlying rules.

Related guides

• How to get a yacht job with no experience (the pillar)
• The ENG1 seafarer medical — the other core prerequisite

Sources: bluewater crew training, IMO STCW 2010, Yotspot.