MCA STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping)

All persons wishing to work aboard a vessel, must as a minimum requirement, have completed the basic STCW safety training modules.

These modules take place over 10 days and include both theoretical and practical training.  The minimum modules required are as follows. Some of these certificates (PST and Fire Fighting), require that they be refreshed every 5 years.

PSSR – (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility)

This course introduces students to a life of living aboard. It covers certain protocols and procedures from emergencies, protection of the marine environment, safe working practices and how to become a responsible crew member and integral part of a team.

Elementary First Aid

This course is self-explanatory. Working at sea, often means being long distances from shore and any medical facilities. A basic understanding and knowledge of first aid is required, ensuring that all crew members have the basic skills to assist fellow crew members who may need primary medical care until more qualified help is available.

Basic Fire prevention and Fire Fighting

A fire onboard a vessel is a serious situation, and if not handled correctly and swiftly, could be disastrous. On this course, candidates learn about fire prevention, and how good housekeeping is essential to fire prevention. They will also be equipped with the basic fire-fighting skills necessary to extinguish a shipboard fire.

Security Awareness including PDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties)

In today’s world of piracy, terrorism, and crime, it is essential that crew members are made aware of the possible threats that exist, and how to recognise them and possibly eliminate them, or at least, what action to take should it be necessary. Along with these threats, many of the vessels on which you may find yourself, belong to incredibly wealthy individuals often being very influential members of society, who will also require your vigilance and knowledge on how to keep their vessels, themselves and all crew safe. This course covers subjects such as maritime security key threats, recognition and awareness of threats, plans and procedures for combating threats.

PST – Personal Survival Techniques (Sea Survival)

This module provides participants with the knowledge and skills to react in a correct and positive manner in a possible emergency. Participants will launch life-rafts and be required to demonstrate certain survival skills such as entering the water from a height, swimming, treading water and righting a capsized life-raft.

If you are looking to do this course for the first time or to do your STCW Refresher Course, we offer this STCW Course in Cape Town out of our Hout Bay training centre. Contact us to find out more about SCTW Course Dates, Rates and availability as spaces are limited.