STCW Basic Training- 5 Modules
Posted on: 01/15/2024
What is the STCW Basic Training?
If you are thinking about a career in yachting and aren’t sure where to start, there is no better place than the STCW.
Generally, all yachting/maritime schools will offer this basic training course, so do your research and pick a school that works for you.
The top 2 Maritime Schools in SE Fort Lauderdale are Maritime Professional Training (MPT) and Professional Yacht Training (PYT)
The staff and instructors at both schools are helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Class dates and pricing are available on their websites.
**Please speak to a career counselor to confirm that this is the correct training for you**
STCW stands for the "Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers." It is an international set of standards developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure that seafarers have the necessary skills, training, and qualifications to work on board ships safely and efficiently.
STCW is crucial for the global maritime industry as it sets a unified standard, ensuring that seafarers from different countries possess the necessary skills and knowledge to operate ships safely and efficiently.
The STCW Convention is periodically amended to address evolving industry needs and advancements. It plays a crucial role in promoting maritime safety, preventing accidents at sea, and protecting the marine environment. Compliance with STCW standards is mandatory for all seafarers working on ships subject to the convention's provisions.
5 Modules to the STCW
1. Personal Survival Techniques
2. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
3. First-Aid Training/CPR
4. Basic Fire Prevention
5. Fire Fighting
Personal Survival Techniques AKA Basic Sea Survival module
This is your basic sea survival course where you gain skills to handle emergencies while on board as well as evacuations and survival if you need to abandon ship. This class is typically 1-1.5 days. It’s a combination of classroom learning as well as real-life situations, typically spent in the pool.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
This module makes up 1 full day of the STCW. It focuses on the interpersonal aspects of working on a yacht, your conduct once onboard, and the varying work dynamics while living with other crew. There is a spotlight on health, substance abuse, lines of communication, and overall management hierarchy.
First-Aid Training/CPR
This 1-day class integrates theoretical and hands-on training within the classroom setting on the basic CPR training needed. Expert paramedics, familiar with both the maritime industry and the medical field, lead this training. Many schools require a written exam to be taken to successfully complete this class.
Basic Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – 2 Days
This is a 2-day course in which you focus on theory and real-life simulated fire-fighting situations. It is the most intensive part of the STCW, focusing on fire prevention as well as instructions on how to respond to a fire onboard. Firefighting professionals will teach you everything you need to know to confidently and sufficiently call for help and mitigate possible damage, ensuring your safety at all times.
Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness
In 2014, this half-day module became a requirement. It focuses on potential maritime threats while onboard, procedures for combating threats, as well as yacht drills. You can never be too prepared when out at sea.
While the STCW is mandatory, it primarily addresses basic and necessary safety training. If you're looking to enhance your yachting career, consider taking additional courses that can provide a competitive advantage.
MPT and PYT in FLL are your best bet!
**Please speak to a career counselor to confirm that this is the correct training for you**
Once you have booked your classes, make sure to reserve your crew housing.
Contact Smart Move Crew Accommodations, the leading crew housing specialists in Fort Lauderdale.
All crew houses are less than 3 miles from the top maritime schools, MPT and PYT.
Student Rates available
Top-quality housing for all yachting professionals.
