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22 Jul 2026
What is STCW training?
If you work at sea or are planning to start a career in the maritime industry, you have probably come across the term STCW. It shows up in job listings, vessel requirements and crew documentation. But what exactly does it mean, and what do you need to know before booking your training? Here is a clear overview of everything related to STCW training, from who needs it to where you can get certified.
What is STCW training?
STCW training is a set of internationally recognized maritime safety courses required under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers convention. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), STCW defines the minimum safety competency standards that seafarers must meet to work legally on commercial vessels worldwide.
The STCW convention was first adopted in 1978 and has been updated several times since, most significantly in 1995 and 2010. The 2010 Manila Amendments introduced stricter requirements around security awareness, medical care, and leadership training. Today, maritime certification under STCW is recognized in over 160 countries, making it the global benchmark for seafarer competence and safety.
The training is designed to be practical and realistic, covering skills that seafarers need in real emergency situations at sea, not just theoretical knowledge.
Who is required to have an STCW certificate?
Any seafarer working on a seagoing vessel of 500 gross tonnage or more engaged in international voyages is required to hold a valid STCW certificate. This includes deck officers, engineering officers, ratings, catering crew, and anyone else serving in a safety-related role on a commercial vessel.
In practice, STCW requirements apply to a broad range of maritime professionals, including:
- Deck officers and navigators
- Marine engineers
- Electro-technical officers
- Able seamen and ordinary seamen
- Catering and hospitality crew on passenger ships
- Personnel working on offshore support vessels
- Security officers and security-aware crew members
Even crew members who do not have a direct watchkeeping role may be required to hold basic STCW safety certificates, particularly those related to personal survival and fire prevention. If you are unsure whether STCW applies to your role, check with your employer, flag state authority, or crewing agency before your next assignment.
What courses are included in STCW training?
STCW training is not a single course but a framework of multiple STCW courses covering different areas of maritime safety. The core courses that most seafarers are required to complete are known as the STCW Basic Safety Training package.
These typically include:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) — covers abandoning ship, survival craft operation, and survival at sea
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) — covers fire behavior, firefighting equipment, and emergency procedures
- Elementary First Aid (EFA) — covers immediate response to injuries and medical emergencies on board
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — covers safe working practices, shipboard communication, and emergency procedures
- Security Awareness Training — covers maritime security threats and crew responsibilities
- Crowd Management and Crisis Management — required for crew on passenger vessels
Beyond basic safety, seafarers in senior roles or specialized positions may need additional STCW endorsements such as Advanced Fire Fighting, Medical First Aid, or GMDSS radio operator certification.
How long does it take to complete STCW training?
The STCW Basic Safety Training package typically takes between three and five days to complete, depending on how the courses are scheduled and whether they are taken as a combined package or individually. Some training providers offer intensive formats that combine multiple modules into a single week.
Individual courses within the STCW framework vary in length. Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting are usually one to two days each, while Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities can often be completed in a single day. Advanced endorsements such as Medical First Aid or Advanced Fire Fighting require additional training time on top of the basics.
If you are planning to start a maritime career, it is worth booking your STCW courses well in advance to ensure your certificates are ready before your first assignment begins.
How long is an STCW certificate valid?
Most STCW certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue. Before the certificate expires, seafarers must complete refresher or revalidation training to maintain their certification and continue working legally on commercial vessels.
The revalidation process typically involves completing an approved refresher course or demonstrating continued sea service and approved training within the five-year period. Flag state authorities may have slightly different requirements for revalidation, so it is important to check the specific rules that apply to your Certificate of Competency and the flag state of the vessels you work on.
Letting an STCW certificate expire can result in being unable to join a vessel or facing delays at the start of a contract, so keeping track of expiry dates is an essential part of managing your maritime career.
Where can you get STCW certified?
STCW training must be completed at an approved maritime training center that is recognized by a flag state authority or national maritime administration. Training centers are found in most major port cities and maritime hubs around the world, and many offer flexible scheduling to accommodate seafarers between contracts.
When choosing a training provider, look for one that is officially accredited, has experienced instructors with real maritime backgrounds, and offers practical, hands-on training rather than purely classroom-based learning. Location matters too. Training centers near airports or ports make it much easier to complete your maritime safety training before heading to a vessel or project site.
How FMTC Safety helps with STCW training
We at FMTC Safety are a globally certified safety training provider with training centers in the Netherlands, the United States, France, Belgium, Saudi Arabia, and other strategic locations. Our STCW courses are delivered by qualified instructors with real maritime experience, making the training practical, relevant and directly applicable to life at sea.
Here is what you can expect when you book your STCW training with us:
- Internationally recognized STCW certificates accepted by flag state authorities worldwide
- Flexible scheduling with guaranteed course continuity, even with a small number of participants
- Training centers located near airports and ports for easy access before assignments
- Free cancellation or rescheduling up to 24 hours before the course starts
- Clear booking process for both individual seafarers and organizations managing crew training
- A 5-star Trustpilot rating from nearly 3,000 reviews
Whether you are completing your first STCW package or renewing an expiring certificate, we make the process straightforward and stress-free. Contact us today to find out which STCW courses you need and to book your training at a location that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete STCW training online, or does it have to be done in person?
STCW training cannot be completed entirely online because the convention requires hands-on, practical assessments — such as firefighting drills, lifeboat exercises, and first aid simulations — that must be conducted in person at an approved training facility. Some providers may offer blended formats where theory components are completed online ahead of the practical sessions, which can reduce the time spent at the training center. Always verify with your training provider that their format is accepted by your flag state authority before enrolling.
What happens if my STCW certificate expires while I am on a contract?
If your STCW certificate expires mid-contract, you may be required to leave the vessel or be reassigned to non-safety-critical duties until your revalidation is complete, depending on your flag state's rules and your employer's policies. Most shipping companies and crewing agencies monitor certificate expiry dates closely and will flag upcoming renewals well in advance to avoid disruption. To prevent this situation, aim to begin your revalidation process at least three to six months before your certificates are due to expire.
Do I need STCW certification if I only work on yachts or recreational vessels?
STCW requirements technically apply to commercial vessels of 500 gross tonnage or more on international voyages, so purely recreational vessels fall outside the convention's mandatory scope. However, many professional yacht crew working on large superyachts or charter vessels are required to hold STCW certificates by flag state regulations, vessel operators, or insurance requirements — even if the vessel is below the formal threshold. If you are pursuing a career as paid crew on any type of vessel, it is strongly advisable to obtain your STCW Basic Safety Training package, as it is widely expected across the industry.
Is STCW training the same in every country, or does it vary by flag state?
The core STCW framework is standardized globally through the IMO convention, meaning the fundamental competency standards and course content are consistent across all signatory countries. However, individual flag state authorities can impose additional or slightly different requirements on top of the international baseline — for example, specific revalidation procedures, supplementary endorsements, or administrative processes for issuing certificates. This is why it is important to check the requirements of the flag state of the vessels you intend to work on, not just the country where you complete your training.
What is the difference between an STCW certificate and a Certificate of Competency (CoC)?
An STCW certificate confirms that you have completed specific safety training courses and met the competency standards defined by the convention. A Certificate of Competency (CoC), on the other hand, is issued by a flag state authority and certifies that you are qualified to serve in a specific rank or role on a vessel — such as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch or Chief Engineer. STCW certificates are typically prerequisites for obtaining or renewing a CoC, but the two documents serve different purposes and are issued by different bodies.
Can my employer pay for my STCW training, or is it my own responsibility?
This depends on your employment arrangement and the policies of your company or crewing agency. Some shipping companies and offshore operators cover the cost of STCW training for contracted crew, particularly for specialized endorsements required for a specific vessel or role. For seafarers entering the industry for the first time, the initial Basic Safety Training package is often a personal investment made before securing a first contract. It is worth discussing training costs and reimbursement options with your employer or crewing agency early in the process.
What should I bring to my STCW training course, and how should I prepare?
Most training centers will provide a pre-course information pack detailing what to bring, but you should generally expect to need a valid photo ID or passport, any existing maritime certificates, and comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises — including swimwear for survival techniques training. No prior maritime experience is required to complete the Basic Safety Training package, so there is no need to study technical material in advance. Arriving well-rested and ready to participate actively in hands-on drills will help you get the most out of the training.
