The Basic STCW courses
​The basic courses under the STCW Convention are known as Basic Safety Training (BST) and are required for anyone working at sea. Their purpose is to educate crew and personnel on ensure that all seafarers, regardless of their role, have the minimum essential skills to protect themselves, others, and the vessel in an emergency.
They consist of four core modules: Personal Survival Techniques (how to survive at sea and use lifesaving equipment), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (basic firefighting skills and fire safety), Elementary First Aid (basic medical response and CPR), and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (safe working practices and onboard behavior).
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Additionally some employers might require you to undergo role/area specific training such as: HUET training, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSC), Boarding At Sea, and Advanced Firefighting
01
Personal Survival Techniques
​This course teaches you how to stay alive if you have to abandon a ship in an emergency. It covers how to use lifejackets, liferafts, and immersion suits, as well as how to survive in the water, deal with cold temperatures, and work together with others until rescue arrives. It’s designed to build confidence so you can react quickly and correctly in a real-life survival situation at sea.
02
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (BASIC)
This course explains how fires start on ships and how to stop them before they spread. You’ll learn how to use firefighting equipment like extinguishers and hoses, and how to safely enter smoke-filled areas using breathing apparatus. It also focuses on preventing fires through safe practices, making it one of the most critical safety skills onboard.
03
Elementary First Aid
​This course teaches the basics of helping someone who is injured or suddenly ill at sea. You’ll learn how to perform CPR, treat cuts and burns, control bleeding, and manage shock until professional medical help is available. Since ships are often far from hospitals, these skills are essential for keeping people stable in emergencies
04
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
​This course introduces you to life and work onboard a ship. It covers basic safety rules, how to work responsibly with others, and how to follow procedures that prevent accidents and pollution. It also helps you understand your role as part of a team, which is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient working environment.
05
Proficiency in Survival Craft
This course builds on basic survival training and focuses on taking control of lifeboats and rescue boats during emergencies. You’ll learn how to launch, operate, and manage survival craft, as well as how to organize and care for people after abandoning ship. It prepares you to take leadership in critical survival situations.
06
Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET)
​This course prepares you for emergencies involving helicopters, especially in offshore environments. You’ll practice escaping from a submerged helicopter in a controlled setting, learning how to stay calm, locate exits, and get out safely. It’s designed to simulate real conditions so you can react instinctively if such an event occurs.
07
Boarding At Sea
​This course teaches safe methods for transferring between vessels while at sea, often using ladders, ropes, or small boats. You’ll learn how to assess risks, use proper techniques, and maintain balance and communication during transfers. It’s especially important for offshore operations where moving between vessels is common.
08
Advanced Firefighting
​This course takes firefighting skills to a higher level, focusing on leadership and coordination during major fire emergencies. You’ll learn how to manage firefighting teams, make decisions under pressure, and control complex fire situations onboard. It prepares you to take command roles and protect both the crew and the vessel effectively.
