STCW Basic Safety Training

Safety is paramount for all professionals working onboard ships and other marine vessels, including yachts. The STCW Basic Safety Training course plays a crucial role in ensuring that every seafarer is skilled and competent in emergency response. This comprehensive guide aims to provide an overview of what the course entails and its significance for seafarers.

As established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) regulations set forth the minimum requirements for seafarers’ skills and competencies. The goal is to enhance safety standards and minimise incidents at sea. Consequently, completing the STCW Basic Safety Training is mandatory for anyone aiming to work at sea.

STCW Basic Safety Training Modules
STCW Basic Safety Training comprises the MCA-accredited modules designed to cover the critical aspects of maritime safety.

Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (A-VI/1-2)

This module covers the various types of fires (e.g., electrical, oil, lithium-ion and chemical) that can occur on vessels and strategies for preventing them. Practical training involves using firefighting equipment and breathing apparatus to extinguish fires of different sizes and types, including those in smoke-filled enclosed spaces and search and rescue techniques. The theory element covers ship fire prevention measures and fire detection systems.

Personal Survival Techniques (A-VI/1-1)

This module covers essential training for dealing with abandon-ship scenarios through practical exercises. Candidates will learn sea survival techniques to handle emergencies effectively, including the proper use of safety equipment, donning life jackets and immersion suits, launching life rafts, and adhering to correct procedures during emergencies.

Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (A-VI/1-4)

This module focuses on Maritime Legislation and safety protocols on board vessels. Topics include safe working practices, employee rights, employment laws and conditions, pollution prevention, fostering human relationships, understanding cultural diversity in the workforce and facilitating effective communication among crew members. Through classroom sessions and group discussions, participants learn how their actions impact overall safety and the importance of adhering to established protocols.

Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)

This module will allow students to acquire the knowledge and skills required to respond to accidents or medical emergencies aboard vessels. The course combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises such as recognising medical emergencies, administering cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, treating burns and scalds, dealing with bleeding and shock, bandaging, and patient transportation and recovery position techniques. Demonstrations, hands-on practice, and assessment are incorporated into this module to ensure the competent application of first aid principles.

After completing each module, trainees must pass individual assessments to demonstrate proficiency in the learned skills. Upon successful completion of all modules, seafarers receive an internationally recognised certificate that validates their competence in basic safety training as mandated by the STCW convention.

The STCW Basic Safety Training course equips aspiring and active maritime professionals with essential knowledge and practical skills for safe operations at sea. By engaging with expert training providers like Bluewater, seafarers can have confidence in their ability to respond effectively to emergencies and contribute towards a safer working environment onboard ships and other marine vessels.

All Bluewater STCW students can benefit from a free consultation with our Crew Specialists, including CV advice and an introduction to finding work on board yachts.

This course is fully redeemable with your ONE Account vouchers.