The four modules
Most training centres run the four modules together as a five-day course. Many also add Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA), which is often required as well.
- •Personal Survival Techniques (PST) — abandoning ship, life-rafts, survival in the water
- •Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) — fire theory, extinguishers, breathing apparatus
- •Elementary First Aid (EFA) — first response to injuries and illness on board
- •Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — safe working, emergency procedures and life on board
How long is it valid?
Under the STCW rules, PST and FPFF must be refreshed every five years to stay valid — usually through a short refresher course. The rules for EFA are less strict, but many employers will not accept first aid training older than five years, and some ask for more frequent refreshers.
Refresher courses often require proof of recent sea service. Check the requirements with your training provider before booking.
Tips
- •Keep your original certificates and a scan of each one — you will be asked for them again and again
- •Upload them once to your Maritime Delivery profile: our team verifies them, and assignments that require them become open to you
- •Set a reminder for the five-year refresher (verified crew get automatic reminders 90, 30 and 7 days before expiry)
Sources
Put it to work