Launch your life at sea with the industry-standard STCW course at South West Maritime Academy. Whether you are looking for STCW 95 or the latest STCW 2010 compliant certification, our comprehensive 5-day STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is the essential “ticket to sea” for anyone aiming to work on superyachts, cruise ships, or merchant vessels.

Fully accredited by the MCA and meeting all mandatory requirements of the STCW Code, our training combines expert classroom tuition with realistic, hands-on drills at our maritime training centre facility near Bristol. From fire fighting to sea survival, we ensure you gain the vital safety skills and globally recognised qualifications needed to kickstart your professional maritime career with confidence.

This course contains some exercises that are physically demanding. Any candidate unsure of their fitness for such activities should consult their doctor before booking onto the course.

Personal Survival Techniques at South West Maritime Academy.

Course Details

Duration 5 Days – Monday to Friday, 0900hrs – 1700hrs daily.
Prerequisites None. This is an entry level course, required for all persons wishing to work aboard seafaring vessels. Participants must be aged 16 or over.
Certification Upon successful completion (STCW95 & STCW 2010), candidates receive MCA approved certificates, valid for 5 years in:
MCA Approved Training Provider

Booking Info

Cost £850.00 inc vat (Please note all prices include VAT @ 20%)
Location South West Maritime Academy,
Cromhall Quarry, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, GL12 8AA

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Why is STCW BST Training Essential?

The maritime environment presents unique and unpredictable challenges, from engine room fires to emergency sea survival scenarios. The STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) was established by the International Maritime Organization to ensure a global standard of safety at sea. Whether you are pursuing a career in commercial shipping, superyachts, or offshore vessels, completing this STCW course package is not just a requirement – it is your "ticket to sea".

At South West Maritime Academy, we go beyond basic compliance. Leveraging our unique facility at Cromhall Quarry, we provide a realistic, high-fidelity training environment that prepares you for the physical and mental demands of a life spent on the water.

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

Essential survival techniques covering both theory and practical pool sessions to prepare seafarers for emergency situations at sea.

  • Core Skills: Knowledge of life-saving appliances and distress protocols.
  • Practical Sessions: Life raft deployment and water entry skills.
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Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2)

A hands-on module dealing with shipboard fire risks and the practical application of extinguishing methods in hazardous areas.

  • Practical Training: Extinguishing initial-stage fires with standard equipment.
  • Rescue: Intensive training in the use of Breathing Apparatus (BA).
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Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)

Intended for all seafaring personnel to practice life-saving skills and respond effectively to medical emergencies on board.

  • Fundamentals: Theory and practical training for basic life saving.
  • Standard: Fully compliant with Table A-VI/1-3 maritime principles.
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Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

Mandatory for seafarers on ISPS-compliant vessels, providing vital knowledge for non-security designated crew.

  • Awareness: Understanding maritime security threats and vigilance.
  • Compliance: Necessary for all commercial seafaring personnel.
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Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (A-VI/1-4)

A classroom-based induction focusing on safety procedures, accident prevention, and employment conditions for novice seafarers.

  • Safety: Understanding safety cultures and the human element.
  • Work Life: Guidance on social interactions and shipboard communication.
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Integrated Training & Add-Ons

Select these specialized modules to supplement your training or fulfill specific vessel requirements:

Most add-ons can be integrated into your 5-day BST week.

The South West Maritime Academy Advantage: Realistic Maritime Training

While many providers rely on indoor heated pools, South West Maritime Academy provides a high-fidelity maritime environment at our Cromhall Quarry training centre.

Our facility enables realistic simulations of sea survival, life raft drills, and emergency scenarios. As a premier hub for STCW training in the South West, we are ideally located for delegates from Bristol, Gloucester, Cardiff, and across the M4/M5 corridor.

Entry Requirements and Target Audience

This STCW course is the essential entry-level requirement for anyone looking to begin a career at sea. It is designed for new entrants to the maritime industry, including those targeting roles in commercial shipping, superyachts, offshore vessels, and cruise ships.

There are no formal academic prerequisites for this course, but participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum Age: Participants must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in good health and capable of participating in all practical elements, including water-based survival exercises and live fire-fighting simulations.
  • Documentation: You will be required to complete a medical self-declaration form prior to the start of the course.
  • Commitment: Full attendance is mandatory for all five modules to receive MCA certification.

STCW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is STCW?
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. It is an international convention that sets the qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships and large yachts to ensure a global safety standard.
What is the difference between STCW 95 and STCW 2010?
STCW 95 refers to the 1995 amendments to the convention. STCW 2010 (The Manila Amendments) updated these standards to include modern technology, security training, and mandatory refresher training every five years. Both terms are often used interchangeably for entry-level training.
Where can I find STCW training near Bristol or the South West?
South West Maritime Academy is the primary training hub for the South West, located in South Gloucestershire near Bristol. We serve delegates from Cardiff, Gloucester, and the M4/M5 corridor at our specialist facility, Cromhall Quarry.
Do I need an STCW certificate to work on a Superyacht?
Yes. Whether you are applying as a Deckhand, Steward/Stewardess, or Engineer, the STCW Basic Safety Training is a mandatory legal requirement for all crew members on superyachts and commercial vessels. Find out more about Superyacht training.
How long does STCW certification last?
Most STCW certificates, specifically Personal Survival Techniques (PST) and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), are valid for 5 years. You must complete MCA-approved refresher training before the 5-year expiry date to stay compliant.
How much does an STCW course cost in the UK?
At South West Maritime Academy, our comprehensive 5-day STCW Basic Safety Training package is priced at £850.00 inc VAT. This covers all five required modules: PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, and PSA.
Can I do an STCW course online?
The short answer is no for the full package. While some theory can be done remotely, the core practical assessments—such as fire fighting and sea survival—must be performed in person at an approved training center like South West Maritime Academy.
What does BST stand for in STCW?
BST stands for Basic Safety Training. This is the suite of five mandatory modules that every new entrant must complete to be compliant with the STCW Code.
Is an ENG1 medical required before I take the STCW course?
You do not need an ENG1 medical certificate to attend our STCW course. However, you will need a valid ENG1 (or equivalent) to work professionally at sea. We recommend ensuring you can pass this medical before investing in your training.
Can I work on a cruise ship with an STCW BST certificate?
Absolutely. The STCW BST is the primary safety requirement for cruise ship employment. Depending on your role, you may also benefit from our Crowd Management add-on.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer for the Sea Survival module?
No. As long as you are comfortable in the water, you will be fine. You will be wearing a lifejacket or an immersion suit which provides significant buoyancy during all practical drills at the quarry.
Who needs the STCW Basic Safety Training course?
Every seafarer working on commercial vessels over 24 meters or carrying more than 12 passengers must hold a valid STCW BST certificate.
Is the course physically demanding?
Yes, the course involves physical activity. Candidates will be required to handle fire hoses while wearing breathing apparatus and perform survival drills in the water. You must be medically fit to participate.
What should I bring for the course?
You will need to bring swimwear and a towel for your practical session. We provide all other specialist Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including fire suits and life jackets.
What happens if my STCW certificates expire?
If your certificates expire, you are no longer legally permitted to work on board. To renew your credentials, you must book onto STCW refresher training.

STCW Refresher Training

Stay compliant with STCW 2010. Most STCW basic safety certificates require revalidation every 5 years. Our STCW refresher courses are MCA-approved and designed to update your skills quickly and efficiently to ensure you remain eligible to work at sea.

View All STCW Refreshers & Packages

Contact & Accommodation

Contact Us

Please contact us if you require further information or wish to book on behalf of a company:
Telephone: 01454 260130
Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
Normal Office Hours (UK Time):
Monday – Friday: 08.30 – 17.00

Accommodation

There is a wide range of local accommodation, some of which are within walking distance of the training centre, to suit everyone’s budget.

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Why Choose South West Maritime Academy for STCW?

MCA Accredited Training

We are a leading UK provider of MCA-approved STCW training, ensuring your BST and refresher certificates are recognised worldwide.

Realistic Open-Water Drills

Train in a realistic environment at our purpose built training centre. Our realistic drills prepare you far better for life at sea than many other training providers.

Active Industry Experts

Learn from instructors with decades of experience in the Armed Forces, Merchant Navy, onboard Superyachts, and working offshore.

Career-Ready Support

From easy booking to expert advice on ENG1 medicals and job hunting, we support you from arrival to boarding your first vessel.