Essential Survival: Why Personal Survival Techniques Training Matters for Every Mariner

Life at sea is unpredictable

Even the most experienced seafarers agree that the ocean can go from serene to hostile in a matter of minutes. Storms, collisions and fires create chaos, and accidents in cold water can leave crew members struggling to stay afloat. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) training prepares mariners to face these situations calmly and competently. While the STCW Personal Survival Techniques course at FMTC Safety equips participants with the skills to react effectively during emergencies, this supporting article dives deeper into why those skills matter, how to put them into practice and how to stay mentally and physically ready between training sessions.

Beyond the basics: what PST training teaches

The core STCW syllabus covers principles such as recognising emergency alarms, donning flotation devices and boarding life‑rafts. Trainees practise in realistic pool environments where they launch and board life‑rafts, activate Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) and learn to signal rescuers. They also develop group survival tactics and buddy‑system techniques, practise managing hypothermia and rehearse first‑aid basics.

This combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises is essential, but the value of PST goes beyond a checklist of tasks. It builds confidence, teamwork and a safety‑first mindset that permeates every part of life at sea. A study cited by Riverport Training notes that seafarers who complete STCW training are better prepared for emergency situations than those without training. This preparedness stems from understanding both the why and the how of survival.

Mastering the tools that save lives

Personal survival relies on more than willpower—it depends on equipment and the knowledge to use it correctly. PST training familiarises participants with life‑jackets, immersion suits, life‑rafts and distress signals. The right equipment can mean the difference between survival and tragedy:

• Life‑jackets and immersion suits: Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) in cold‑water conditions. Cold shock, an involuntary gasp reflex triggered by sudden immersion, can cause drowning within seconds. Wearing a PFD allows you to concentrate on controlling your breathing until the reflex subsides. It also keeps your airway clear, enabling you to adopt survival positions such as the Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP)—curling into a fetal posture to reduce heat loss.
• Life‑rafts and rescue craft: PST drills teach mariners how to launch, board and maneuver life‑rafts. Knowing how to board quickly—especially while wearing an immersion suit—reduces exposure to cold water and increases the chance of rescue. Group formations like the “carpet formation,” where survivors link arms and legs to share body heat and create a larger target for rescuers, further enhance survival in cold water.
• Distress signals: Familiarity with pyrotechnics, EPIRBs and Search and Rescue Transponders (SARTs) allows crew members to communicate their position and attract rescuers. Practising these procedures in calm settings ensures a swift response during real emergencies.
• Survival kits: Training providers like ESS Maritime emphasise proper deployment and maintenance of life‑jackets, distress signals and survival kits. Regular inspection and practising with these tools ensures they function when needed.

Staying warm and sane: survival techniques and mental resilience

Managing the elements is only half the battle; psychological resilience is equally important. In cold water, hypothermia can set in quickly. Survival techniques taught in PST courses—including group survival tactics and buddy systems—help conserve heat and morale. For individual survival, adopting the HELP position and using a simple trash bag as a makeshift wetsuit can prolong survival time.

Group survival tactics such as the carpet formation keep survivors together, conserve energy and create a larger visual target for rescuers. These techniques also foster teamwork and communication, critical factors in emergency response.

Beyond physical techniques, maritime survival training now addresses psychological resilience. ESS Maritime’s personal survival programs include coping mechanisms for managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset. High‑pressure situations can induce panic; understanding how to control breathing, focus on small tasks and support teammates helps crews stay calm until help arrives.

Preparing for your PST course: tips for mariners

To get the most from your Personal Survival Techniques course and maintain readiness after certification, consider the following:

1. Build water confidence. Familiarity with water reduces panic during cold‑water immersion. Practice swimming in various conditions and learn to control your breathing under stress.
2. Stay physically fit. Survival tasks—climbing into a life‑raft, helping injured colleagues and performing CPR—require strength and endurance. Regular exercise improves performance during training and in real emergencies.
3. Understand your equipment. Read manuals for life‑jackets and immersion suits, and practise donning them correctly. Inspect zippers, seals and lights regularly to ensure reliability.
4. Refresh your knowledge. STCW certificates must be renewed every five years; use refresher courses to update skills and learn about new equipment. Basic survival techniques and fire‑fighting modules are the most intensive elements of STCW basic training, so repeated practice is essential.
5. Cultivate a safety culture on board. Encourage regular drills and open communication about safety concerns. By sharing lessons learned and practising together, crews build mutual trust and improve emergency response.

Building a safety‑first mindset

Personal survival techniques are not just for fulfilling a certification requirement. They are a vital part of a safety‑first mindset that respects the unpredictability of the sea. Training instils a proactive attitude toward risk management and fosters teamwork. When every crew member understands their role in an emergency—whether launching life‑rafts, administering first aid or signalling for help—the entire vessel becomes safer.

FMTC Safety’s STCW Personal Survival Techniques course combines international standards with hands‑on practice. By expanding your training with the insights and techniques explored in this article—such as cold‑water survival positions, psychological resilience and continuous preparation—you will not only meet regulatory requirements but also help build a culture of safety that protects yourself and your crew.

Invest in your survival skills, stay curious about new techniques and be ready to support your colleagues when it matters most. Together, we can make every voyage safer.