Understanding the STCW Refresher Requirements: What You Need to Know

FAQs About The STCW Refresher Requirement

Welcome to the STCW Refresher Requirements FAQ section, where we provide comprehensive answers to common questions regarding the updated STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) courses. As mandated by the STCW 2010 amendments, all seafarers must refresh their safety training every five years to ensure compliance and maintain proficiency in critical safety skills.

What exactly are the updated STCW requirements?
The STCW 2010 requires the STCW safety training courses to be refreshed every 5 years; this came into effect on 31st December 2016.

Does every position onboard have to re-sit their STCW, from stewardess to captain?
All crew, regardless of position, must revalidate the following courses every five years:

Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
Personal Survival Techniques

Depending on your position on board, you will also need to revalidate the following courses:

Advanced Fire Fighting
Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats (Restricted)*1
Proficiency in Medical Care*2

*1 This course was formerly called Advanced Sea Survival.
*2 This course only needs to be revalidated if you are the Master or the person in charge of medical care on UK-registered vessels.

Mandatory STCW Refresher Courses

Basic Refreshers

Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting and Personal Survival Techniques
- 2-day course offered in Antibes and Palma

Advanced Refreshers

Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
- Half-day course, plus proof of completion of the basic course within the last 5 years
Updated Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats (Restricted)
- Half-day course, plus proof of completion of the basic course within the last 5 years

If you opt for the bundle (only available in Antibes) that includes both the basic and advanced refresher courses, it will take you three days to complete. Please contact our Antibes office for more information.

If you hold the advanced safety courses, do you still need to refresh the basic courses?
Yes, even if you hold the advanced safety courses, you will be required to refresh the basic courses. The relevant guidance Notice is MSN 1865.

Why is it no longer called the STCW95? Does this have anything to do with the changes?
The original STCW convention dates from 1978, but various changes have since been made. Rather than altering the date when changes are made, it is officially STCW 78, as amended.