Key takeaways
- ✓Personal Survival Techniques (PST) and Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) need updating every five years for seafarers who serve at sea.
- ✓Whether Elementary First Aid and PSSR need refreshing depends on the flag/administration — check with the authority that issued your certificate.
- ✓A basic safety refresher usually takes about 2–3 days, shorter than the full 5-module course.
- ✓Book it before your five years run out — some employers and flag states will not accept an out-of-date certificate on board.
- ✓Keep the original course certificates: you usually need them to book the refresher.
What is the STCW refresher?
The STCW Convention requires seafarers to prove continued competence in basic safety. The usual way to do that is a refresher course, sometimes called “updating training” or “revalidation”, which repeats the practical parts — sea survival in a pool, fire fighting with breathing apparatus — in a shorter format.
It is not a new qualification: it keeps your existing Basic Safety Training valid for another period, normally five years.
Which modules need refreshing?
| Module | Refresher needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques (PST) | Yes, every 5 years | Practical: liferaft, lifejacket and pool drills |
| Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) | Yes, every 5 years | Practical: extinguishers, hoses, breathing apparatus |
| Elementary First Aid (EFA) | Depends on administration | Some flags and course providers include it, others do not require it |
| Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) | Usually no | Check your flag state |
| Security Awareness / PDSD | Usually no | Separate from basic safety |
| Advanced Fire Fighting, Survival Craft & Rescue Boats | Yes, every 5 years, if you hold them for your role | Officers and crew with these duties |
| Proficiency in Medical Care | For the person in charge of medical care | On UK-flagged vessels, e.g. the master |
How long does the refresher take?
Most approved providers run the PST and FPFF refresher over about two to three days. Some combine it with first aid. Expect a mix of short theory sessions and practical exercises, so bring clothes you can swim and get dirty in.
Prices vary by country and provider. Compare approved centres and check that the course is approved by the administration you need (for example the UK MCA for UK certificates).
Do yacht crew need the refresher too?
Yes, if they work on commercially operated yachts that require STCW. Captains, deck crew, engineers and interior crew all hold Basic Safety Training, so all of them need to keep it in date. Delivery skippers and crew are often asked to show valid STCW certificates before joining a commercial delivery.
How to plan your refresher
- •Check the issue dates on your PST and FPFF certificates and add five years.
- •Book 3–6 months ahead in busy periods (before the Mediterranean and Caribbean seasons).
- •Use time between rotations or contracts — mark it in your availability calendar.
- •Bring the original certificates, passport and any discharge book or sea-time evidence the provider asks for.
- •Upload the new certificates to your Maritime Delivery profile so clients see them as verified.
Some administrations accept sea service plus onboard drills instead of part of the refresher. Ask the issuing authority whether this applies to you.
Frequently asked questions
How often do I need to refresh STCW?+
Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting normally need updating every five years for seafarers who serve at sea. Other modules depend on your flag state and issuing administration.
Can I work at sea with an expired STCW certificate?+
Many employers and flag states will not accept it. Refresh before the five years run out, so you do not lose work.
How long is an STCW refresher course?+
Usually about two to three days for PST and FPFF, depending on the provider and whether first aid is included.
Do I need to retake the full STCW Basic Safety course?+
Normally no. If your training is in date, the shorter refresher keeps it valid. If it expired long ago, ask the approved provider or your administration what you need.
Sources
- IMO — STCW Convention
- UK MCA — Seafarer training and certification
- Danish Maritime Authority — Refreshing qualifications
- UK MCA — MSN 1865: emergency, safety, medical care and survival requirements
- Bluewater — FAQs about the STCW refresher requirement
- STCW Basic Safety Training explained (Maritime Delivery guide)
- Maritime certificates by role (Maritime Delivery guide)
Put it to work