STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, introduced by Governments around the world formally agreed to standardise training. STCW was introduced in 1978. It was amended 1995, and again in 2010.

The STCW Basic Safety Training course and the certificates issued comply with the latest standards.

If you would like to know more about STCW, read our dedicated what is STCW blog.

The STCW Basic Safety Training course is five and a half days.

We start around lunchtime on Monday and finish on Saturday at 16:30. Exact times and dates along with a kit list will be emailed to you once you have booked.

As well as STCW, all crew who work on a commercial vessel, including Superyachts, must hold an ENG1 Medical.

We recommend you complete the ENG1 Medical before the start of the course, as it confirms you are fit to go to sea. However, it is not a booking condition so you can book your course without it.

If you choose our accommodation option, you will stay in one of our crew houses in Cowes, comfortable and centrally located, only a 5-minute walk to the centre of Cowes and our training centre. Almost all customers stay with us. Only those who live on the Isle of Wight choose to stay at home.

There are no formal pre-course requirements, but you must be 18 or over to enrol on this course.

Fire Fighting and Personal Survival are physically demanding and require a good fitness level.

We recommend that all customers complete an ENG1 medical or equivalent medical before enrolling on this course. If you have concerns about your fitness, then please get in touch with Flying Fish.

For successful completion, 100% attendance is required, and students are expected to participate in all parts of the course.

This course is delivered in English therefore, you must understand spoken and written English to pass any verbal or written course assessments.

The STCW Basic Safety Training course comprises classroom-based theory sessions and practical training exercises. This course is fun, action-packed, and a very enjoyable five and a half days. The itinerary is as follows:

Monday

Lunchtime course briefing at our training centre in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Monday PM – Wednesday

STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (STCW A-VI/1-2)

This practical 2.5-day course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to use firefighting equipment, fire extinguishers, and breathing apparatus to reduce a fire to a safe and controlled state.

Thursday

STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (STCW A-VI/1-4)

0.5-day basic induction into accident prevention and health and safety issues onboard ships.

STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (STCW A-VI/6-1)

0.5-day compulsory training module for all crew members employed on ships required to comply with the ISPS Code.

Friday

STCW Personal Survival Techniques (STCW A-VI/1-1)

Develop your understanding of the survival equipment onboard and how to evacuate your vessel in an emergency. The morning is classroom based. The afternoon is a practical session in a swimming pool where we’ll show you how to use a liferaft.

Saturday

STCW Elementary First Aid (STCW A-VI/1-3)

Learn to identify life-threatening conditions, perform CPR, recognise hypothermia, and be better prepared to help a casualty in an onboard emergency.

The course finishes around 16:30 on Saturday.

A written and practical assessment will be included in the STCW Basic Safety Training Course. Customers will be awarded a certificate on successful completion of all assessments.