STCW Basic Safety Training Explained

South West Maritime Academy is a leading provider of high-quality training across maritime, security, fire & medical disciplines. We offer an MCA and RYA approved STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course that complies with the STCW 2010 Manila amendments, mandatory for all seafarers since 2014 ¹. This course is designed to equip crew members with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies at sea, including those that may require them to abandon ship ¹.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the STCW Basic Safety Training, its history, course information, module details, certification, and the 5-yearly refresher requirements.

History of STCW

The shipping industry, by its very nature, operates across international borders. To ensure safety and efficiency in this global environment, standardised training and certification for seafarers became essential. This need eventually led to the development of the International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) in 1978 ². The STCW Convention, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), sets minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships ³. It entered into force in 1984, marking a significant step towards harmonising seafarer training worldwide ⁴.

Before the STCW Convention, the responsibility of setting minimum standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping of officers and ratings fell upon individual governments. These standards often varied significantly, creating inconsistencies and potential safety hazards in the maritime industry ². The emergence of the “open registry” manning model, where ships are registered in a country different from that of their owners or crew, further highlighted the need for international revision of standards ². The STCW Convention addressed this challenge by establishing a common set of requirements for seafarer training and certification, promoting safety and efficiency across the global shipping industry.

Revisions of the STCW Convention

The STCW Convention has been revised over the years to adapt to evolving industry needs and technological advancements. A major revision in 1995 (STCW 95) aimed to update the Convention and address concerns regarding ambiguous language that led to inconsistent interpretations among different countries ². The 1995 amendments introduced significant changes, including enhanced port state control, improved communication of information to the IMO for better oversight, and the establishment of quality standards systems for training and certification procedures ³. These amendments entered into force on 1 February 1997, with full implementation required by 1 February 2002 ².

The STCW Convention underwent another major revision in 2010 with the Manila amendments (STCW 2010) ². These amendments aimed to ensure the continued relevance of STCW standards in light of technological advancements and improved shipping practices ⁵. The 2010 amendments addressed various aspects, including:

• Prevention of fraudulent practices: Measures to prevent fraudulent activities related to certificates of competency were strengthened ².
• Hours of work and rest: Revised requirements for hours of work and rest were introduced to address fatigue and promote seafarer well-being ².
• Prevention of drug and alcohol abuse: New requirements for the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse were included to ensure a safe working environment ².
• Medical fitness standards: Updated standards relating to medical fitness were implemented to ensure seafarers are fit for duty ².
• Modern technology: New requirements for training in modern technology, such as Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), were introduced to keep pace with advancements in navigation ².
• Security training: The 2010 amendments explicitly addressed security concerns with the introduction of “STCW Proficiency for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties” and “STCW Proficiency in Maritime Security Awareness” ⁶. This reflects the growing importance of security in the maritime industry, particularly in response to threats like piracy.
• Leadership and teamwork: New requirements for marine environment awareness training and training in leadership and teamwork were included to enhance safety and operational efficiency ².
• Refresher training: A key feature of the 2010 amendments was the introduction of mandatory refresher training every five years for basic safety training ⁷. This ensures that seafarers maintain their competence and stay updated with the latest safety practices throughout their careers.

The 2010 amendments entered into force on 1 January 2012. To ensure effective implementation and compliance with the STCW Convention, the IMO plays an active role in monitoring the performance of party states ⁸. Under Chapter I, regulation I/7 of the revised Convention, parties are required to provide detailed information to the IMO concerning their administrative measures, education and training courses, certification procedures, and other factors relevant to the implementation of the STCW Convention ⁹.

This information is reviewed by panels of competent persons, who report their findings to the IMO Secretary-General. The Secretary-General then reports to the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on the parties that fully comply with the Convention ⁹. This monitoring process helps maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the STCW Convention in upholding global standards for seafarer training and certification.

The STCW Convention itself consists of three main sections: the Articles, the Annex, and the STCW Code ¹⁰. The Articles outline the legal responsibilities that each party to the Convention must meet. The Annex provides technical details on how these legal responsibilities should be met. The STCW Code further specifies the technical details contained in the Annex, with Part A outlining mandatory standards and Part B providing recommended guidance ⁷. This structured approach ensures clarity and consistency in the implementation of the STCW Convention across different countries.

The wide adoption of the STCW Convention is a testament to its importance in the maritime industry. By 2018, the Convention had 164 Parties, representing a significant portion of world shipping tonnage ³. One reason for this widespread acceptance is the potential difficulties faced by ships from states that are not party to the Convention. These difficulties can include delays in port, increased scrutiny from port state control authorities, and potential restrictions on their operations ³. By becoming a party to the STCW Convention and adhering to its standards, countries demonstrate their commitment to maritime safety and ensure that their seafarers are recognised as competent and qualified professionals worldwide.

STCW Basic Safety Training Course Information

The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course, sometimes referred to as STCW 95 or STCW 2010, is a mandatory requirement for all seafarers working on board merchant ships ¹¹. This STCW course is the foundation for a successful career at sea, providing seafarers with the essential knowledge, understanding, and skills to perform their duties safely and effectively ¹¹. It is recognized as an international standard by most countries, ensuring that seafarers trained under the STCW framework are equipped to work on ships globally ¹¹.

The course covers a wide range of safety-related topics, including personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities ¹³. The training is delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical modules, typically taking five days to complete ¹¹. Each training element is assessed by qualified assessors to ensure that trainees meet the competence requirements of the STCW code ¹¹.

STCW Basic Safety Training Modules

The STCW Basic Safety Training course comprises five modules:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST)

This module equips seafarers with the skills and techniques necessary to survive at sea in the event of an emergency, such as ship abandonment or a man overboard situation ¹⁴. Trainees learn about the causes of distress at sea, the actions to take when abandoning ship, the correct use of life-saving appliances like life jackets and immersion suits, survival techniques in the water, and the role of search and rescue organisations ¹⁴. Practical training includes donning survival equipment, jumping from a height into the water, righting an inverted life raft, and boarding survival craft ¹⁵.

Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF)

This module provides seafarers with the knowledge and skills to prevent and fight fires on board ships ¹⁴. Trainees learn about fire hazards and prevention measures, the operation of fire detection and alarm systems, different types of firefighting equipment and their appropriate use, and techniques for extinguishing various kinds of fires ¹⁴. Practical training involves using firefighting equipment, including hoses, nozzles, and extinguishers, and learning how to fight live fires in a controlled environment while wearing breathing apparatus ¹⁶.

Elementary First Aid (EFA)

This module teaches seafarers how to provide basic first aid to injured individuals on board ships ¹⁴. Trainees learn how to assess and treat injuries, perform CPR and use an AED, deal with various medical emergencies such as bleeding, shock, and burns, and safely evacuate casualties ¹⁴. Practical exercises may include bandaging wounds, immobilising fractures, and performing CPR on a manikin.

Personal Safety and Social Responsibility (PSSR)

This module focuses on promoting a safe working environment on board ships and fostering responsible behaviour among seafarers ¹⁴. Trainees learn about safe working practices, risk assessment and hazard identification, emergency response procedures, environmental awareness and pollution prevention, fatigue management, and the importance of teamwork and communication ¹⁴.

Proficiency in Security Awareness

This module provides seafarers with the necessary training to respond to security threats, such as piracy or armed robbery ¹⁴. Trainees learn about different types of security threats and risks, security measures and procedures on board ships, their roles and responsibilities in maintaining ship security, how to recognize and report security threats, and the importance of vigilance and awareness ¹⁴.

STCW Basic Safety Training Certification and 5-Yearly Updates

Upon successful completion of the STCW Basic Safety Training course, seafarers receive an STCW certificate, which is valid for five years ¹⁴. This certificate is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates the seafarer’s competence in basic safety skills ¹². It is a mandatory requirement for working on most commercial vessels and is often requested by employers in the maritime industry ¹².

To maintain their certification and ensure their skills remain up-to-date, seafarers are required to undergo STCW update training every five years ¹⁴. This update training, mandated by the STCW 2010 Manila amendments, emphasises the importance of continuous professional development in the maritime industry ¹⁵. It helps seafarers stay abreast of the latest safety practices and maintain their proficiency in essential safety skills. The refresher training may include a combination of online learning, shipboard drills, and shore-based training ¹⁷.

The Importance of STCW for Career Progression

STCW certification is not just a basic requirement for entry-level seafarers; it plays a vital role in career progression within the maritime industry. As seafarers gain experience and aspire to higher ranks and responsibilities, further STCW courses and endorsements become necessary. These advanced courses build upon the foundation established by the Basic Safety Training, providing specialised knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership and management, advanced firefighting, security duties, and handling specific types of vessels or cargo.

By investing in continuous professional development and keeping their STCW certification updated, seafarers demonstrate their commitment to safety and enhance their career prospects. STCW certification is a valuable asset that can open doors to new opportunities and contribute to a successful and rewarding career in the maritime industry.

Conclusion

The STCW Basic Safety Training is a crucial requirement for all seafarers, providing them with the essential skills and knowledge to handle emergencies, maintain a safe working environment on board ships, and progress in their maritime careers. South West Maritime Academy provides comprehensive STCW courses that meet the latest international standards and are approved by the MCA and RYA. By completing our STCW Basic Safety Training course and keeping your certification updated through refresher training, you can contribute to the safety of life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, and your own professional development in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

For more information about our STCW Basic Safety Training course and other maritime training programs, please visit our website or contact us directly. We are dedicated to providing high-quality training that empowers seafarers with the skills and confidence to excel in their chosen careers.

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