Updating Personal Survival Techniques (UPST)
Keep your maritime safety certificates current. Required every 5 years to stay legal.
1 Day
18 AUG 2026
Certification
MCA
Who issues your official qualification
Recognition
Worldwide
Where your certificate is accepted. Check with your flag state for specific approvals.
STCW Compliance
A-VI/1-1
Legal codes this course fulfills under maritime law
Suitable For
All Crew
Who the course is designed for
Experience Level
No experience required
Minimum experience needed to join
Duration
1 Day
Training days only, breaks are not included
Certificate Validity
5 Years
How long your certificate stays valid
Why This
Course Matters
In an emergency, knowing how to abandon ship and survive matters most. This course trains you in life raft use, distress signals, cold water shock, and personal flotation equipment. A core part of the STCW Basic Safety Training, critical for all crew members working offshore, on yachts, or on commercial vessels.
What You’ll
Learn
Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)
Learn essential prevention and survival techniques through both theory and hands-on training. This includes distress signal protocols, lifejacket use, liferaft deployment, water entry, survival in rough conditions, and search and rescue coordination.
0
100
What’s Included
Professional-grade sea survival equipment
Comprehensive course materials
Shower and towels
Coffee station and snacks
Free rescheduling up to 7 days before course start
PREREQUSITES
Minimum age
16 years old
Language Requirement
A good level of spoken and written English is required, as all training and assessments are conducted in English
Meet Your
Instructors
Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course?
PST is a mandatory STCW safety module that trains seafarers how to survive at sea in emergency situations. It focuses on abandoning ship procedures, use of life-saving appliances, and survival in the water until rescue arrives.
Who issues and recognises the PST certificate?
The PST certificate is issued under MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) standards and complies with STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. MCA-approved certification is internationally recognised and accepted by flag states, yacht operators, and maritime employers worldwide.
Is there an exam for Personal Survival Techniques?
Yes. There is a written test covering survival theory, emergency procedures, distress signals, and use of life-saving equipment. Your understanding is also assessed continuously during practical training.
Is there a practical assessment?
Yes. Practical assessment takes place during in-water survival exercises, including lifejacket use, water entry, liferaft procedures, and group survival techniques. Instructors assess safety awareness, correct technique, and teamwork.
What should I bring or wear for PST training?
For survival practical sessions, long pants are mandatory for safety. Students who arrive without suitable long pants will not be permitted to participate in the practical training. Bring clothing you don’t mind getting wet and closed footwear for moving around the training facility.