Updating STCW10 Basic Training
The complete STCW Basic Safety Training is mandatory for all yacht and commercial vessel crew worldwide. This internationally recognised certification is your passport to maritime employment, ensuring you meet essential safety and security standards required by law.
Maritime training opens the door to high-paying roles at sea, with entry-level crew earning $2,000–$4,000/month and fast progression. Whether you come from hospitality, trades, engineering, fitness, security or technical support, certified roles offer global travel, strong salaries, and long-term career growth.
Essential prevention and survival techniques through theoretical and practical sessions. Includes distress prevention, life-saving equipment, liferaft deployment, survival skills and search and rescue procedures.
Comprehensive training on fire risk minimisation, causes, and containment strategies. Features practical exercises with fire fighting equipment and breathing apparatus for both combating fires and rescue operations.
Practical and theoretical training in basic medical emergency response. Covers essential first aid principles and techniques for the most common maritime medical emergencies.
Classroom-based introduction to safety protocols, accident prevention, and shipboard working conditions for seafarers.
Essential security training required for all personnel working on ISPS-compliant vessels, providing knowledge and understanding for crew without designated security duties.
16 years old
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
STCW is the international safety standard for seafarers, updated under the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. It’s required for crew working on commercial vessels and yachts (typically 24m+). Most employers and crew agencies won’t consider candidates without valid STCW certificates.
MCA stands for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the UK’s maritime regulatory authority. MCA certification is considered a gold standard in the yachting and commercial maritime industry due to its strict training, assessment, and safety requirements. MCA-approved courses are highly respected by flag states, yacht owners, captains, and insurers worldwide, which is why many employers specifically ask for MCA-compliant certification.
Basic STCW includes five core modules: PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, PSA. Together they cover sea survival, fire safety, first aid, safety responsibilities, and onboard security awareness — the essentials for working at sea.
Yes. There is a written test after each module, and you’ll also be assessed during practical sessions. The written tests check understanding of key safety procedures and decision-making, not “trick questions”.
Yes. Practical sessions are assessed as you go — instructors observe your ability to follow procedures safely (e.g., fire drills, survival exercises, first aid scenarios). It’s about competence and safety, not athletic performance.
If you don’t pass a test or fall short on a practical element, you can take a resit. The goal is to ensure you meet the required standard — not to catch you out. Your instructor will explain what needs improving before you retake it.
English is important — both written and verbal. You need to understand safety instructions during practical training and be able to complete the written tests. If you’re worried about your English level, tell Admissions in advance so we can advise on the best approach.
You should wear comfortable clothing suitable for practical training and closed shoes.
For firefighting modules, bring long socks that cover your legs up to the knees to provide extra protection when wearing firefighting gear.
For survival and water-based sessions, long pants are mandatory for safety reasons — students without suitable long pants will not be allowed to participate in practical exercises. Bring a change of clothes and personal toiletries.
Yes. The course includes real practical drills, including water survival exercises and firefighting training. Everything is supervised, controlled, and delivered with safety gear and instructor support.
Basic swimming confidence helps, but it’s not a strict requirement. You’ll use safety equipment and follow controlled procedures. If you’re anxious in water, tell the instructor early — they’ll guide you through it safely.