STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)

The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) consists of four mandatory modules:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST): Teaches survival skills and procedures for emergencies at sea, including the use of life-saving equipment.
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FP&FF): Provides knowledge on preventing fires and responding effectively in firefighting scenarios on board.
• Elementary First Aid (EFA): Covers the basics of first aid, including how to provide care in medical emergencies at sea.
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR): Covers safe working practices, personal safety, social responsibilities and awareness of violence and harassment on board.

Additionally, we offer the following STCW security training:

• Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA): This half-day course provides security awareness training for crew members and other personnel working on vessels subject to the ISPS Code.

These courses provide the essential knowledge and practical skills required under the STCW Convention and prepare participants to respond effectively to emergencies and safety situations on board vessels.

In the U.A.E., all STCW Certificates of Proficiency are valid for five years. After expiry, the relevant full course module must normally be completed again to obtain a new U.A.E. Certificate of Proficiency.

Different requirements may apply to STCW certificates issued by other maritime Administrations. Some certificates, such as Elementary First Aid (EFA) or Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), may have unlimited validity, while Personal Survival Techniques (PST) and Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FP&FF) are generally subject to refresher requirements.

We highly recommend checking with the relevant flag State or local authorities to confirm which modules need to be renewed or refreshed to remain compliant, as requirements vary by jurisdiction.

Yes, you can take the STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course even without prior maritime experience.

• The STCW BST course is designed for all skill levels, including beginners.
• It provides the essential safety skills and knowledge needed to work on yachts, commercial vessels, or cruise liners.
• Whether you are just starting your maritime career or aiming to secure employment at sea, this training prepares you to respond to emergencies and provides the essential safety training required under the STCW Convention.

Enrolling in our STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course is straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Check Course Availability
   • Visit our website or contact our office to view upcoming course dates and availability. 
   • You can contact us via landline, hotline, WhatsApp or email, or visit our office in person.
2. Meet the Requirements
   • Ensure you meet the prerequisites, including:
     • Minimum age of 16 years
     • Ability to participate in physically demanding activities
     • A valid medical certificate or completed health declaration.
3. Complete Registration
   • You can register by email or WhatsApp, or visit our office to complete the necessary paperwork.
   • A valid ID or passport is also required for enrollment.
4. Payment Process
   • After registration is confirmed, we will guide you through the payment process to secure your spot in the course. 
   • You can pay by payment link, POS in the office, bank transfer or cash.

If you need any assistance during the enrollment process, feel free to contact us directly. Our team will be happy to help you with any inquiries.

The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course takes 5 days to complete.

During these 5 days, participants will complete the following four essential modules:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST): Teaches survival skills in emergencies at sea.
• Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FP&FF): Focuses on preventing and managing fires onboard vessels.
• Elementary First Aid (EFA): Covers basic medical procedures for emergencies at sea.
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR): Covers safe working practices, social responsibilities and awareness of violence and harassment on board.

Additionally, we offer the following half-day STCW security course:

• Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA): Teaches security awareness for vessels adhering to the ISPS Code.

PSSR and PSA are theory-based, while PST, FP&FF and EFA include a combination of theory lessons and practical exercises, ensuring participants are well-prepared to handle safety responsibilities at sea.

Yes. STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is based on internationally recognized standards for seafarer training and certification.

It follows the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 1978, as amended), providing the safety and competence standards required for many positions on yachts, commercial vessels and cruise liners worldwide.

However, we always recommend verifying acceptance of the certification with your flag State, employer or relevant maritime authority, as specific national and regional requirements may vary.

This helps ensure compliance with the applicable requirements and avoids issues during the employment process.

Yes. Our STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) courses are conducted in accordance with the STCW Convention and Code, as amended, including the 2010 Manila Amendments and subsequent applicable amendments.

The 2010 Manila Amendments introduced important updates to STCW training and certification requirements, including refresher training, security awareness, medical fitness and other measures aimed at improving the safety and competence of seafarers.

Our approved STCW Basic Safety Training courses follow the applicable current requirements and combine theoretical knowledge with practical safety training to prepare candidates for working on yachts, commercial vessels, cruise ships and other vessels.

Candidates should always verify any additional requirements with their flag State, employer or relevant maritime authority, as requirements may vary by jurisdiction.

A U.A.E. residence visa is not required to enroll in our STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) course. International candidates may attend while visiting the U.A.E., provided they hold a valid visa or entry permit appropriate for their stay.

If you are travelling to Dubai on a visit or tourist visa, we recommend checking the current visa requirements applicable to your nationality and type of entry permit with the relevant U.A.E. immigration authority before travelling. Your visa must remain valid throughout the training period.

From 1 January 2026, the STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) requirements were updated to include mandatory training on the prevention of and response to violence and harassment in the maritime sector, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.

Our PSSR course is conducted in accordance with these updated requirements under STCW Code Table A-VI/1-4 and IMO Resolution MSC.560(108).

A Seaman’s Book, Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) or Seafarer’s Discharge Book (SDB) is a separate seafarer document that may be required depending on the vessel, type of operation, employer, flag State and country of issue.

If you are planning to work on a cruise ship, seagoing commercial vessel or yacht, your employer or the relevant flag State can advise which seafarer document is required and where you should apply. The name, eligibility and application requirements vary between countries and maritime Administrations.

In the U.A.E., the corresponding document issued by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) is called a Seafarer’s Discharge Book (SDB). Eligible UAE nationals and residents working on seagoing commercial ships may apply directly through MOEI, subject to the applicable requirements and supporting documents.

For near-coastal or local operations in the U.A.E., including commercial yachts, work boats and other locally operating vessels, different licensing and crewing requirements may apply. Candidates should check the requirements applicable to their position and vessel with MOEI and the relevant local maritime authority.

STCW Basic Safety Training and the related Certificates of Proficiency are separate from the Seaman’s Book, CDC or SDB. Marine Concept provides approved STCW training and certification required for many professional maritime positions, while the relevant seafarer document is issued by the responsible maritime Administration.

Yes. STCW Basic Safety Training is required for personnel working in many positions on cruise ships, including deck, technical, hospitality, entertainment and hotel/service positions.

Cruise ships operate under the ISPS Code, and personnel working on board also require the appropriate STCW security training. Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) is required for personnel without designated security duties, while those assigned specific security duties require the higher Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (DSD) qualification.

Marine Concept offers the STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) course. Candidates who require DSD or any other additional training should confirm the exact requirements for their position with their cruise line or employer before booking.