Course Overview : The STCW Basic Safety Training (STCW BST) is compulsory for any person working on a sea going vessel. The STCW BST consists of Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) and Elementary First Aid (EFA). There is also a security module called Designated Security Duties which does not form part of the STCW Basic Safety Training but is included in our STCW package. The STCW BST plus PDSD is done over a period of 11 days. Training will consist of a mix of theoretical and practical elements and candidates will have to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the course contents.
Course Requirements:
Those undertaking this course must be at least 16 years of age.
Candidates must be fit and able to complete all aspects of the training. The fire-fighting practical
training is physically demanding and candidates are required to complete a medical declaration
prior to attending the course.
Course Duration: 11 days in total:
PSSR – 2 days
PST – 2 days
FPFF – 3 days
EFA – 2 days
PDSD – 2 days
Certification:
100% attendance, full participation and completion of all practical exercises is required.
Upon successful completion of the course, candidates are issued with the respective STCW Basic
Safety Training Certificates.
This course is accredited by SAMSA.
Additional to courses:
Apart from the courses above, in order to work on board any seagoing vessel, you are required to
hold a Seafarer’s Medical. The most common one is the ENG1. However, you can also do the
Norwegian Seafarers medical or the SAMSA Seafarers medical. They are valid for a period of 2 years.
These medicals must be done at an accredited doctor.
Career Opportunities
Deckhand / Crew Member (Yacht or Ship)
- Deckhand: This is often the entry-level role on yachts and ships. You will be responsible for tasks such as maintaining the vessel, handling lines, setting sails, and ensuring the overall cleanliness and readiness of the boat. The STCW certification qualifies you for onboard safety and emergency situations.
- Crew Member: As a general crew member on luxury yachts or commercial ships, you'll assist with various duties on board, from maintenance to navigation support, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Yacht Crew
- Yacht Steward/Stewardess: With STCW certification, you can work as a steward or stewardess on luxury yachts. This involves hospitality roles such as serving meals, maintaining guest cabins, ensuring guests' needs are met, and handling emergency situations.
- Yacht Mate: As a yacht mate, you would support the captain in overseeing yacht operations, navigation, and crew management, while maintaining safety standards.
Marine Engineer
- Marine Engineer: With further training or experience, you can become a marine engineer, responsible for maintaining and repairing the mechanical and electrical systems on a ship or yacht. The STCW course provides a foundation for understanding safety protocols that are crucial in this role.
Ship Officer
- Second Mate (Officer of the Watch): The STCW certification is essential for anyone aiming for officer roles in the maritime industry. You will assist the captain in navigational duties, watchkeeping, and maintaining the operational safety of the vessel.
- Third Officer: A third officer is an entry-level officer role, responsible for the safety and operational duties on the ship. The STCW certification is a necessary qualification for this role.
Captain (Yacht Captain / Ship Captain)
- Yacht Captain: For those who aspire to become a yacht captain, the STCW certification is an essential requirement. The captain is responsible for the safe operation of the yacht, ensuring the safety of guests and crew, navigation, and compliance with international maritime laws.
- Ship Captain: A ship captain oversees all operations on a larger commercial or cargo vessel. The STCW '10 certification provides the basic safety training required for managing the crew and ensuring the ship complies with maritime safety regulations.
Offshore Worker
- Offshore Oil Rig Worker: For those looking to work on offshore platforms (e.g., oil rigs), the STCW '10 course provides the fundamental safety training required to work in such high-risk environments, including emergency preparedness and survival techniques.
Safety Officer / Maritime Safety Specialist
- Maritime Safety Officer: Safety officers ensure that all safety protocols are followed on board ships and yachts. They monitor compliance with maritime safety regulations, conduct drills, and ensure the safety of both crew and passengers during operations.
- Emergency Response Specialist: This role focuses on training and ensuring readiness for emergencies such as fire, flooding, or medical emergencies. STCW '10 certification equips you with the required skills in emergency response.
Cruise Ship Crew
- Cruise Ship Staff: For those looking to work on cruise ships, the STCW '10 course is necessary for most onboard roles, including entertainment, hospitality, and customer service, as well as safety roles.
- Cruise Ship Safety Officer: This role entails overseeing the safety measures on cruise ships, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, conducting safety drills, and responding to emergencies.
Ferry Crew Member
- Ferry Captain: The STCW '10 certification is required for captains on ferry boats. The captain ensures the safe operation of the vessel, handling passengers, cargo, and the crew, and ensuring adherence to maritime laws and safety standards.
- Ferry Crew Member: Working on a ferry boat involves similar duties to those of a deckhand, assisting with navigation, maintenance, and passenger services.
Maritime Trainer / Instructor
- Maritime Safety Trainer: With STCW certification and experience, you can become a trainer, educating future maritime workers on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and other essential topics related to life at sea.
Port Security / Dock Worker
- Port Security Officer: After completing STCW, you may pursue roles in port security, ensuring the safety of the port area, assisting with vessel arrivals and departures, and making sure ships comply with safety regulations.
- Dock Worker: Dock workers involved in the loading and unloading of cargo or assisting ships and yachts can benefit from the STCW certification, especially for safety roles during port operations.
Maritime Consultant
- Consultant: As a maritime consultant, you would provide expert advice on safety regulations, environmental standards, or operational practices for shipping companies, yacht owners, or maritime organizations.
Shipyard Worker
- Shipyard Maintenance / Shipbuilding: The STCW '10 qualification can also benefit those working in shipyards, where knowledge of maritime safety and emergency procedures is required when constructing, maintaining, or repairing vessels.
Search and Rescue
- Search and Rescue (SAR) Worker: In this high-stakes role, SAR professionals help in rescuing individuals from ships, yachts, or vessels in distress. STCW training equips you with the knowledge needed to respond quickly and safely to emergencies at sea.
Marine Environmental Officer
- Marine Environmental Specialist: In this role, you’ll be responsible for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations at sea, focusing on preventing pollution, managing waste, and maintaining safe operations. STCW training can help you understand how to deal with hazardous situations and emergencies involving marine pollution.
The STCW '10 Course opens a wide range of career opportunities in the maritime industry, especially for roles on ships, yachts, and offshore vessels. Whether you are interested in becoming a deckhand, maritime safety officer, yacht captain, marine engineer, or cruise ship crew member, the STCW '10 course equips you with the fundamental safety knowledge and certification required to work at sea. Additionally, the course can serve as a stepping stone for more specialized training and advanced career progression within the maritime sector.