Question 1

STCW refresher training

Accepted Answer

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every five years. Maersk Training offers the full suite of STCW refresher courses, including combined packages that allow seafarers to revalidate multiple certificates in a single programme. STCW 2-in-1 refresher — survival and basic firefighting This combined refresher covers personal survival techniques (A-VI/1-1) and basic firefighting and fire prevention (A-VI/1-2). It covers the fundamental safety skills required on every vessel, including life-saving routines, the use of a life raft, firefighting equipment handling, and movement through smoke. This is the minimum refresher package for seafarers who only need to revalidate their core Basic Safety Training elements. STCW 3-in-1 refresher — survival, basic firefighting and advanced firefighting This package combines personal survival techniques (A-VI/1-1), basic firefighting (A-VI/1-2), and advanced firefighting (A-VI/3) into a single programme. It is designed for officers and crew who hold an advanced firefighting certificate and need to revalidate it alongside their basic safety training at the same time. STCW 4-in-1 refresher — survival, basic firefighting, advanced firefighting and rescue boats The 4-in-1 refresher adds proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (A-VI/2-1) to the three elements above. It covers the full set of emergency skills required for seafarers with broader on-board safety responsibilities, including survival training, basic and advanced firefighting, and rescue boat handling. Complex multi-emergency drills form a core part of this programme. STCW 5-in-1 refresher — survival, basic firefighting, advanced firefighting, rescue boats and fast rescue boats The 5-in-1 is the most comprehensive STCW refresher package available. It covers all elements of the 4-in-1 and adds fast rescue boat proficiency (A-VI/2-2), including high-speed manoeuvring, controlled approaches, and the recovery of people from the water. This course is for seafarers whose role includes fast rescue boat operations or a wide range of emergency response responsibilities. Personal safety and social responsibilities (STCW A-VI/1-4) This standalone refresher covers the personal safety and social responsibilities element of Basic Safety Training. It addresses safe working practices, hazard recognition, emergency response, teamwork, and professional conduct on board. It is taken separately from the combined survival and firefighting refreshers and applies to all seafarers. Advanced firefighting refresher (STCW A-VI/3) For seafarers who only need to revalidate their advanced firefighting certificate without combining it with other modules, this standalone refresher covers the fire command, team coordination, fixed system operation, and breathing apparatus management competencies required under STCW Code Section A-VI/3. Survival craft and rescue boats refresher (STCW A-VI/2-1 and A-VI/3) This combined refresher covers both survival craft and rescue boat proficiency (A-VI/2-1) and advanced firefighting (A-VI/3) for seafarers who need to revalidate both certificates outside of the larger combined packages. Fast rescue boats refresher (STCW A-VI/2-2) A standalone refresher for seafarers revalidating their fast rescue boat proficiency certificate. It covers launching and recovery procedures, boat handling in adverse conditions, the use of on-board emergency equipment, basic first aid for casualties, and search and rescue coordination. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/2-2. Certificate valid for five years upon renewal. Personal survival techniques and first aid refresher (STCW A-VI/1-1 and A-VI/1-3) This combined refresher covers personal survival techniques (A-VI/1-1) and elementary first aid (A-VI/1-3) for seafarers who need to revalidate both elements together. Basic firefighting and advanced firefighting refresher (STCW A-VI/1-2 and A-VI/3) This combined refresher covers basic firefighting and fire prevention (A-VI/1-2) alongside advanced firefighting (A-VI/3) for seafarers revalidating both firefighting certificates at the same time.

Question 2

Chapter V — Passenger ship training

Accepted Answer

Chapter V sets out additional training requirements for seafarers serving on specific vessel types where standard Chapter VI certification alone is insufficient. On passenger ships, the management of large numbers of people during an emergency requires dedicated competencies that go beyond those covered elsewhere in the convention. Crowd and crisis management This combined course covers two mandatory requirements for officers and senior crew on passenger ships. Crowd management covers the handling of passengers in emergency situations, mustering procedures, and directing large numbers of people in confined spaces. Crisis management covers decision-making under pressure, managing evacuations, and coordinating the response to major onboard emergencies. Governed by STCW Regulation V/2. Required for masters, chief officers, chief engineers, and others designated responsible for passenger safety.

Question 3

Chapter VI — Basic Safety Training

Accepted Answer

Chapter VI is the most widely applicable chapter of the STCW convention. It covers the foundational safety training that all seafarers must complete before going to sea, as well as advanced safety, security, and medical certifications required for specific roles. The four courses below make up STCW Basic Safety Training and can be taken as a combined programme or individually. Personal survival techniques Personal survival techniques training covers what a seafarer must do in the event of an emergency at sea. Topics include recognising distress situations, the correct use of life-saving appliances such as immersion suits and life rafts, techniques for surviving in the water, and procedures for abandoning ship. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/1-1. Required for all seafarers. Certificate valid for five years. Basic firefighting and fire prevention This course covers the principles of fire, how fires start and spread on board a vessel, types of firefighting equipment, and the procedures for raising the alarm and responding to a fire. Practical training includes the use of breathing apparatus and firefighting techniques in live exercises. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/1-2. Required for all seafarers. Certificate valid for five years. Elementary first aid Elementary first aid training covers the immediate medical response to injuries and illness on board a vessel. Topics include casualty assessment, CPR, wound care, treatment of burns, and the management of fractures and spinal injuries. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/1-3. Required for all seafarers. Personal safety and social responsibilities This course covers safe working practices on board a vessel, including emergency procedures, accident prevention, environmental responsibilities, and professional conduct at sea. It is classroom-based and is typically delivered as part of a combined Basic Safety Training programme. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4. Required for all seafarers.

Question 4

Chapter VI — Advanced and specialist safety training

Accepted Answer

Beyond Basic Safety Training, Chapter VI also governs a range of advanced and specialist certifications required for seafarers taking on specific safety roles on board. Advanced firefighting Advanced firefighting training is required for seafarers who may be placed in charge of firefighting operations on board a vessel. It builds on the basic firefighting course and covers organisational command structures, the use of fixed firefighting systems, breathing apparatus management, and the coordination of firefighting teams. Governed by STCW Code Section A-VI/3. Required for officers and those with designated fire command responsibilities. Certificate valid for five years. Heading 3: Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats This course covers the skills required to take charge of and operate a survival craft or rescue boat. Training includes launching procedures, the handling of lifeboats and rescue boats in open water, the use of survival equipment, and procedures for managing survivors following vessel abandonment. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/2-1. Required for seafarers designated to be in charge of survival craft. Certificate valid for five years. Proficiency in fast rescue boats Fast rescue boat training is for seafarers responsible for operating fast rescue boats, which are deployed in man overboard and search and rescue situations. Training covers launching and recovery, engine handling, navigation in adverse weather, the use of communication and signalling equipment, and search patterns. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/2-2. Required for seafarers designated to operate fast rescue boats. Certificate valid for five years. Medical first aid Proficiency in Medical First Aid is required for seafarers designated to provide first aid on board vessels beyond the basic level covered in BST. It covers patient assessment, the administration of medications, management of serious injuries, and the use of medical equipment carried on board. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/4-1. Required for officers and designated crew on vessels without a ship's doctor. Medical care on board ship Medical care training applies to the officer or crew member who is the primary person responsible for medical care on a vessel. It covers patient assessment, surgical procedures, dental first aid, the management of complex medical emergencies, and care during extended voyages. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/4-2. Required for masters and designated officers on vessels engaged in long international voyages without a doctor.

Question 5

Chapter VI — Security training

Accepted Answer

STCW security training requirements were introduced following the adoption of the ISPS Code and apply to all seafarers, as well as those with specific designated security duties on board. ISPS security awareness Security awareness training provides all seafarers with the knowledge required to support vessel security without holding a designated security role. Topics include the recognition of security threats, reporting procedures, access control responsibilities, and the seafarer's obligations under the ISPS Code. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/6-1. Required for all seafarers. Available as e-learning. Designated security duties This course applies to seafarers assigned specific security responsibilities under the vessel's Ship Security Plan. It covers security risk assessment, the use of security equipment, conducting searches, responding to security incidents, and the practical implementation of security measures. Governed by STCW Code Table A-VI/6-2. Required for crew with designated security duties. Available as e-learning. Ship Security Officer (SSO) The Ship Security Officer course is required for the individual responsible for implementing and maintaining the Ship Security Plan on board. It covers the development and review of security plans, threat and risk assessment, security inspections, and liaison with port facilities and authorities. Governed by STCW Code Section A-VI/5. Required for the designated Ship Security Officer on any vessel subject to the ISPS Code.

Question 6

Who is required to complete STCW training?

Accepted Answer

All seafarers serving on seagoing vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more engaged in international voyages must hold the relevant STCW certification for their role. The specific training required depends on rank, vessel type, and trading area.

Question 7

Do I need prior sea experience to begin STCW training?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Safety Training has no mandatory sea service prerequisite and is typically the first certification a new seafarer completes. Some advanced certifications require evidence of approved sea service before they can be obtained.

Question 8

How often do I need to renew my STCW training?

Accepted Answer

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every five years. Seafarers should begin the revalidation process before their certificate expires to avoid a lapse in certification.

Question 9

Are your STCW courses recognised internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all our STCW courses meet or exceed IMO standards, ensuring global recognition.

Question 10

Where are Maersk Training centers located?

Accepted Answer

We have training centers across the globe. Visit our locations page for detailed information on each center.

Question 11

What is the difference between STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Advanced training?

Accepted Answer

Basic Safety Training is mandatory for all seafarers and covers the four core safety competencies. Advanced training applies to specific roles and vessel types, and is required in addition to the basic certification.

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Maersk Training

STCW Training

STCW training for maritime professionals

Explore our STCW courses

STCW refresher courses

STCW e-learning

All STCW courses

How the STCW convention is structured and courses explained

STCW refresher training

STCW refresher training

Chapter V — Passenger ship training

Chapter V — Passenger ship training

Chapter VI — Basic Safety Training

Chapter VI — Basic Safety Training

Chapter VI — Advanced and specialist safety training

Chapter VI — Advanced and specialist safety training

Chapter VI — Security training

Chapter VI — Security training

STCW training validity and renewal

Frequently asked questions

Who is required to complete STCW training?

Who is required to complete STCW training?

Do I need prior sea experience to begin STCW training?

Do I need prior sea experience to begin STCW training?

How often do I need to renew my STCW training?

How often do I need to renew my STCW training?

Are your STCW courses recognised internationally?

Are your STCW courses recognised internationally?

Where are Maersk Training centers located?

Where are Maersk Training centers located?

What is the difference between STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Advanced training?

What is the difference between STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Advanced training?

Speak with our training team

STCW Training

STCW training for maritime professionals

Explore our STCW courses

STCW refresher courses

STCW e-learning

All STCW courses

How the STCW convention is structured and courses explained

STCW refresher training

STCW refresher training

Chapter V — Passenger ship training

Chapter V — Passenger ship training

Chapter VI — Basic Safety Training

Chapter VI — Basic Safety Training

Chapter VI — Advanced and specialist safety training

Chapter VI — Advanced and specialist safety training

Chapter VI — Security training

Chapter VI — Security training

STCW training validity and renewal

Frequently asked questions

Who is required to complete STCW training?

Who is required to complete STCW training?

Do I need prior sea experience to begin STCW training?

Do I need prior sea experience to begin STCW training?

How often do I need to renew my STCW training?

How often do I need to renew my STCW training?

Are your STCW courses recognised internationally?

Are your STCW courses recognised internationally?

Where are Maersk Training centers located?

Where are Maersk Training centers located?

What is the difference between STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Advanced training?

What is the difference between STCW Basic Safety Training and STCW Advanced training?

Speak with our training team