STCW Courses Complete Guide 2026

STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) courses are mandatory international maritime training requirements. Without these certificates, you cannot work on any commercial vessel.

What is STCW?

STCW = Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers

• International IMO convention
• Sets minimum training standards
• Recognized by all flag states
• Mandatory for all seafarers
• Regular updates (Manila Amendments)

STCW Basic Safety Courses

The “Basic Four” (Required for Everyone)

Course	Full Name	Duration
PST	Personal Survival Techniques	2 days
PSSR	Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities	2 days
EFA	Elementary First Aid	2 days
FPFF	Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting	3 days

Total Duration: ~10 days Total Cost: ₹15,000-25,000 Validity: 5 years

PST (Personal Survival Techniques)

Covers:

• Survival at sea principles
• Life-saving appliances
• Lifeboat and life raft operations
• Survival craft equipment
• Helicopter rescue techniques

Practical Training:

• Swimming with lifejacket
• Life raft boarding
• Survival techniques in water
• Distress signal usage

PSSR (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities)

Covers:

• Shipboard safety
• Accident prevention
• Communication onboard
• Human relations
• Fatigue awareness
• Environmental protection

Key Learning:

• Understanding shipboard organization
• Safety protocols
• Emergency procedures
• Social responsibilities

EFA (Elementary First Aid)

Covers:

• Basic first aid techniques
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Wound treatment
• Fracture handling
• Shock management
• Emergency response

Practical Training:

• CPR practice
• Bandaging techniques
• Patient handling
• Emergency scenarios

FPFF (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)

Covers:

• Fire chemistry and types
• Fire prevention methods
• Fire-fighting equipment
• Fixed installations
• Fire emergency procedures

Practical Training:

• Portable extinguisher use
• Hose handling
• SCBA (breathing apparatus)
• Live fire exercises

Advanced STCW Courses

For Deck Officers

Course	Requirement Level
ARPA	All watchkeepers
ECDIS	Generic + Type-specific
GOC (GMDSS)	All deck officers
Medical Care	Officer in charge
Proficiency in Survival Craft	All officers
Advanced Fire Fighting	All officers
Ship Security Officer	As required

For Engine Officers

Course	Requirement Level
Advanced Fire Fighting	All officers
Medical Care	As required
ERM (Engine Resource Management)	Management level
Proficiency in Survival Craft	All officers
High Voltage	For HV systems

For Tanker Personnel

Course	Tanker Type
Oil Tanker Familiarization	All oil tankers
Oil Tanker Cargo Operations	Officers on oil tankers
Chemical Tanker Familiarization	Chemical tankers
Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations	Chemical tanker officers
Liquefied Gas Tanker	LPG/LNG carriers

Course Details - Advanced

GOC (GMDSS)

Full Name: General Operator’s Certificate Duration: 6-8 weeks Purpose: Radio communication certification Required For: All deck officers Includes: Practical radio operation

ECDIS

Full Name: Electronic Chart Display and Information System Duration: 5 days (generic) Purpose: Electronic navigation certification Additional: Type-specific training required Required For: All deck officers on ECDIS-equipped vessels

Medical Care (Medical First Aid)

Duration: 5 days Purpose: Advanced first aid for officers Required For: Officers designated for medical duties Covers: Detailed medical procedures onboard

Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Duration: 3 days Purpose: ISPS Code implementation Required For: Designated security officers Covers: Ship security assessment and plans

Where to Get STCW Courses

Major Training Institutes

Institute	Location	Courses
MTI (Maritime Training Institute)	Mumbai	All STCW
NIPM	Mumbai	Basic + Advanced
Anglo-Eastern Maritime	Mumbai	Full range
SIMS	Mumbai	All courses
MERI	Mumbai	All STCW
HIMT	Chennai	All courses
Coimbatore Marine	Coimbatore	Basic + Some advanced

Choosing an Institute

Consider:

• DG Shipping approval
• Course fees
• Schedule availability
• Location convenience
• Combined course packages

STCW Certificate Validity

Standard Validity Periods

Course Category	Validity
Basic Safety (PST, EFA, FPFF, PSSR)	5 years
Proficiency in Survival Craft	5 years
Advanced Fire Fighting	5 years
GMDSS/GOC	No expiry (endorsement: 5 years)
ECDIS Generic	No expiry
Medical Care	5 years

Revalidation Requirements

Options for Revalidation:

1. Approved refresher course, OR
2. Approved sea service in past 5 years + assessment

Refresher Course Duration: Usually 1-2 days

Course Costs (2026)

Basic Safety Package

Course	Individual	Package
PST	₹5,000-7,000
PSSR	₹3,000-5,000	Combined:
EFA	₹4,000-6,000	₹15,000-25,000
FPFF	₹8,000-12,000

Advanced Courses

Course	Cost (₹)
GOC	40,000-60,000
ECDIS Generic	15,000-25,000
Medical Care	15,000-20,000
Advanced Fire Fighting	15,000-25,000
Survival Craft	15,000-20,000
Oil Tanker Cargo	20,000-30,000
Chemical Tanker Cargo	25,000-35,000

SailorGPT: STCW Course Guidance

Need help planning your STCW courses? SailorGPT provides:

• Course requirement identification for your rank
• Institute recommendations
• Schedule planning for multiple courses
• Revalidation tracking

Get guidance: Chat with SailorGPT

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FAQs

Can I do all basic safety courses together?

Yes, most institutes offer combined packages for all four basic courses. Total duration is about 10 days.

Are STCW certificates valid worldwide?

Yes, STCW is an international standard. Certificates from approved institutes are recognized globally.

What happens if my STCW expires while onboard?

You may continue current voyage but must revalidate before next contract. Plan renewals in advance.

Do I need tanker courses if joining bulk carriers?

No, tanker courses are specific to tanker vessels. But having them opens more job options.

Can I do STCW courses online?

Practical components require physical attendance. Some theory may be online, but certification requires physical training.