Certification reference

STCW Courses

A quick reference for the certificates most commonly required by employers on this platform.

Basic Safety Training (BST)

Covers personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibility. Required for all seafarers.

Duration

4-5 days

Validity

5 years

Who needs it

All seafarers, all ranks

Advanced Fire Fighting

Builds on basic fire training with advanced fire-fighting techniques, required for officers and senior ratings.

Duration

2-3 days

Validity

5 years

Who needs it

Officers and senior ratings

Medical First Aid / Medical Care

Medical First Aid is required for officers in charge of a watch; Medical Care is required for the officer responsible for medical care onboard.

Duration

2-5 days

Validity

5 years

Who needs it

Watchkeeping officers; medical care for designated officer

Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB)

Covers launching and operating lifeboats and rescue boats, required for deck officers and rating forming part of a navigational watch.

Duration

2-3 days

Validity

5 years

Who needs it

Deck officers and navigational watch ratings

Oil Tanker & Chemical Tanker Familiarization

Required for seafarers joining tanker vessels, covering cargo handling hazards and safety procedures specific to tanker operations.

Duration

1-2 days

Validity

No expiry (refresher recommended)

Who needs it

Seafarers joining tanker vessels

Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Required for the officer designated to implement and maintain the ship security plan under the ISPS code.

Duration

3-5 days

Validity

No expiry

Who needs it

Officer designated as SSO

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