STCW stands for the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers - the international framework that sets minimum safety training requirements for all professional crew working on commercial vessels, including superyachts.
Do I need STCW?
Yes. If you want to work professionally on any yacht or ship, STCW Basic Safety Training is a non-negotiable requirement. It is required by maritime law under the STCW Convention (1978, as amended), and no reputable yacht will employ crew without it.
What does STCW Basic Safety Training cover?
The standard entry-level course, often referred to as STCW 95 or STCW 2010 covers four core modules:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) - survival at sea, liferaft deployment, EPIRB use
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) - fire safety, extinguisher use, evacuation procedures
- Elementary First Aid (EFA) - basic first aid, CPR, casualty management
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) - safety culture, maritime regulations, crew duties
How long does STCW take?
The Basic Safety Training course typically takes 4-5 days and is available through approved maritime training providers worldwide. It must be completed through an MCA-approved (or equivalent flag state) provider to be valid.
Do I need anything else?
Alongside STCW, most employers also require an ENG1 medical certificate (or equivalent), confirming you are medically fit to work at sea. As you progress in your career, additional STCW certificates, such as Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC), Advanced Fire Fighting, or Medical First Aid will be required for officer-level positions.
How long is STCW valid?
STCW Basic Safety Training certificates must be renewed every five years to remain valid.