Home STCW STCW Courses › You are here

What is STCW Basic Training (BT)? (Formerly STCW Basic Safety Training - BST)


STCW Basic Training (Formerly Basic Safety Training) Course, Eligibility, Validity and Basic Training Refresher for Seafarers


STCW  Basic Training (BT) or STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) as it is called formerly, is required for seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board ship at all levels such as deck and engine room rating qualifications, for most navigation, and all engineering certificates of competency. The course is for new entrants to the larger ships in the marine industry, or experienced mariners who have not had previous safety training, with the knowledge and skills to contain, report, and respond to a marine emergency, fight fires, abandon ship and understand the basics of workplace safety.

The STCW Basic (Safety) Training course is also the legal minimum requirement for anyone looking for commercial work aboard vessels over 24 meters, including Superyachts and Cruise ships. For receiving a certificate of Basic Safety Training, the delegate must not younger than 18 years, and meet the standard of competence for certificates of Basic Safety Training set out in various STCW sections. Participants will be assessed against the learning outcomes by using direct observation and oral and/or written questions as appropriate.

After successful completion of the Basic Training, certification will be valid for 5 years. With the implementation of the STCW 2010, delegates must provide evidence of having the competencies by completing STCW Basic Training Refresher  every 5 years, as described in the STCW Code 1978, amended. This certificate is also colloquially known as STCW Card or simply STCW in many parts of the world.


Basic Safety Training or Basic Training is for new entrants to the larger ships in the marine industry, or experienced mariners who have not had previous safety training

Basic (Safety) Training (BT/BST) Training Courses

  • Personal Survival Techniques PST (Theory & Practical): This course aims to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for seafarers for familiarization, basic safety training and instruction in accordance with STCW Code. On meeting the minimum standard of competence in personal survival techniques, a trainee will be able to survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment. STCW Personal Survival Techniques Refresher Course Online
  • Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting  FPFF (Theory & Practical): This course aims to provide the training for candidates in fire prevention and fighting in accordance with the STCW Code. On meeting the minimum standard of competence in fire prevention and fire fighting, a trainee will be competent to take appropriate measures for the safety of personnel and of the ship and to use fire appliances correctly. The trainee will also have knowledge of fire prevention. STCW Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting Course Online
  • Elementary First Aid EFA (Theory & Practical): This course aims to provide the training for candidates to provide elementary first aid on board ship, in accordance with the STCW Code. On meeting the minimum standard of competence in elementary first aid, a trainee will be competent to take immediate action upon encountering an accident or medical emergency until the arrival of a person with Medical First Aid skills or the person in charge of Medical Care on board. STCW Elementary First Aid Course Online
  • Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities PSST (Theory): This course aims to meet the mandatory minimum requirements for seafarers for familiarization, basic safety training and instruction in accordance with the STCW Code. This course will give new seafarers an insight into the various elements of a ship and working procedures on board so that they adjust to the shipboard environment, and are better prepared to cope with any unforeseen circumstances. A trainee successfully completing this course will be able to - comply with emergency procedures, take precautions to prevent pollution of the marine environment, observe safe working practices, understand orders and be understood in relation to shipboard, and contribute to effective human relationships on board ship. STCW Safety and Social Responsibilities Course Online


Basic Training Summary

  • Components: 4 (PST, FPFF, EFA & PSSR)
  • Duration: 4-6 days (each course can be taken individually as well)
  • Mode: Classroom or Hybrid Training
  • Eligibility: 18 years and meets the basic competency as per the rules such as medical certificate.
  • Validity: 5 years
  • Refresher: Every 5 years


Basic (Safety) Training (BT/BST) Refresher Training

stcw basic refresh

  • STCW Basic (Safety) Training (BT or BST) Refresher / Update: This course is meant for all seafarers who need to refresh their original Basic Training. The basic training refresher course, previously called a basic safety training (BST) refresher course, is a 2-day course designed to provide you with a refresher of Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Personal Social and Safety Responsibilities (PSSR), First Aid (EFA), and Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF) Skills. The course fulfills the STCW 2010 (STCW Code A-VI/1-1, 1-2) and IMO Model Course 1.19 and 1.20). This can be a classroom training OR online (if the authorities can certify that you have the necessary skills through regular onboard training). Maritime authorities such as Liberia certifies online BT/BST refresher course. STCW Basic Training (BST) Refresher Online


Basic Training Refresher Summary

  • Components: 4 (PST, FPFF, EFA & PSSR) out of which PST & FPFF are compulsory
  • Duration: 2 days (each course can be taken individually as well)
  • Mode: Classroom and/or hybrid / online
  • Eligibility: Basic Training BST certificate
  • Validity: 5 years
  • Refresher: Every 5 years


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UNDER STCW 2010

STCW Basic Safety Training / STCW Basic Training

  • For Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) following topics will be added: Communications, Control of Fatigue, Teamwork, and Marine Environmental Awareness
  • Refresher Training may take the form of e-learning, shipboard drills and training or shore based training
  • Basic Safety Training will require refresher training every five years