You’ll gain knowledge and practical skills
from industry professionals
Overview
STCW Basic Safety Training is the internationally recognised entry-level safety qualification required to work on commercial vessels worldwide. All crew joining a commercial vessel must complete this course before stepping onboard.
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) sets the global minimum safety standards for seafarers, and this course is the practical training that meets those requirements.
If you are about to start working at sea, you will likely need STCW Basic Safety Training before joining a vessel. The course provides the knowledge and skills required to respond effectively to onboard emergencies and ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and the vessel.
What does the course cover?
This course covers four mandatory elements plus Security Awareness.
- Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (A-VI/1-2)
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (A-VI/1-4)
- Sea Survival Techniques (AVI/1-1)
- Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-3)
- Proficiency in Security Awareness (A-VI/1-6)
Training is split between classroom sessions and practical, hands-on skills and practical exercises. You will learn how to use the safety equipment onboard a vessel, from breathing apparatus to life rafts.
On successful completion of the course, you will receive your STCW certificates demonstrating competency in these essential skills. This certificate is usually required for employment in the maritime industry.
MCA Training Centre
Our MCA approved STCW training centre, based in the heart of Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK, provides maritime training using the latest equipment and techniques.
Led by experienced and highly qualified instructors, these modern facilities ensure you gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed for a successful career at sea.
Full course information
⚠️ Date changes for Summer 2026: The following course start dates have moved from Monday to Tuesday.
Original start New start End Mon 27 JulTue 28 Jul Sun 2 Aug Mon 10 AugTue 11 Aug Sun 16 Aug Mon 31 AugTue 1 Sep Sun 6 Sep Mon 14 SepTue 15 Sep Sun 20 Sep Mon 21 SepTue 22 Sep Sun 27 Sep
Our STCW Course is based in Cowes, UK, and 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.
Self catering twin room
£310 for the full course duration
Almost all our students choose to stay in our premium self-catering accommodation, which is located just a 5-minute walk from both the town and our training centre at Cowes Yacht Haven. From shared meals to evenings out at the local bars and pubs, our houses are the starting point for friendships that often last far beyond your time in Cowes.
The accommodation option will appear after you select a course date.
Want to see exactly where you’ll be living and training? Take our virtual tour.
One of the UK’s most accessible training centres
If you are looking for STCW training in Southampton, Portsmouth, or travelling down from London, ditch the M27 traffic and the mainland commute. It is incredibly easy to get here from wherever you are based. Simply catch the direct train to Southampton, jump on the Red Jet fast ferry (25 minute crossing) and stroll just 4 minutes to our doors.
No car required and no parking headaches. You have arrived in Cowes, the world-renowned maritime hub of the UK.
Both our classrooms and accommodation are located right in the very centre of town, putting you at the heart of the action. It couldn’t be easier.
A unique experience, not just a course.
STCW courses can look identical. Every training provider follows the same mandatory syllabus and shows you the same photos of life rafts and fire grounds. So why Flying Fish?
There is a reason we have so many incredible reviews. While our courses, equipment, accommodation and instructors are of the highest level, it is the experience before and after class that makes it unforgettable.
Because everyone stays centrally in our houses, networking happens naturally. Living with your STCW course mates in the middle of town means visits to local bars and legendary sailing pubs, morning runs around the headland, and sharing meals in and out.
You aren’t just here to tick a box; you are here to live the maritime lifestyle.
Fire Fighting and Personal Survival are physically demanding and require a good fitness level.
For successful completion, 100% attendance is required and students are expected to participate in all parts of the course.
This STCW Course UK is delivered in English, therefore you must understand spoken and written English to pass any verbal or written course assessments.
You must be 18 years old or older to train with Flying Fish.
Medical requirements
All crew who want to work on a commercial vessel, including Superyachts and Cruise Ships, must hold an ENG1 Medical. We recommend you complete the ENG1 Medical before the start of your course, as it confirms you are fit to go to sea.
Common medical issues we see that may affect your ENG1 are colour blindness, vision or hearing problems, severe food allergies, diabetes and certain mental health conditions.
These don’t automatically mean you’ll fail, but ENG1 restrictions may apply. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking.
What is STCW Basic Safety Training?
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping. Introduced by the IMO in 1978, this international treaty sets the minimum standards for training, certification, and watchkeeping duties for Seafarers.
They amended the treaty in 1995, and again in 2010.
STCW Basic Safety training is sometimes known as STCW 95 or STCW 2010.
Flying Fish UK is an approved MCA training provider. The course complies with Section A-VI/1 of the STCW code.
Learn more about what STCW is and why it exists >
How long is an STCW Course?
The STCW Basic Safety Training Course runs for six days and combines engaging classroom-based learning with hands-on practical exercises. This structured approach ensures you’re fully prepared for a life at sea.
How much is an STCW Course?
The price of an STCW Basic Safety Training Course is £850.
How long do STCW certificates last?
STCW certificates remain valid for five years. To ensure your qualifications stay current, you’ll need to complete refresher training for modules like Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting every five years.
What should I wear to STCW training?
Comfort is key for STCW training! Wear practical, comfortable clothing that allows for physical activity. Activities such as fire drills and survival training can be physically demanding, so it’s best to choose attire that won’t restrict movement. We’ll give you the low down of everything you need to bring after you book the course.
Is Basic Training the same as STCW?
Yes, Basic Training and STCW Basic Safety Training are the same. This foundational training is mandatory for anyone pursuing a career at sea. It ensures all crew members have the essential safety and survival skills required for maritime operations.
Is STCW Basic Safety Training the same as STCW 95 or STCW 2010?
Yes. STCW Basic Safety Training is sometimes referred to as STCW 95 or STCW 2010, depending on when people entered the maritime industry. These terms relate to earlier versions of the STCW convention, but the current training standards are based on the latest International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirements.
Today, “STCW Basic Safety Training” is the standard and most commonly used term for this entry-level qualification.
Why Train With Flying Fish?
Train with experts
Small groups
Small class sizes for personalised,
hands-on learning
High end equipment
You’ll train in conditions
that match the real world
STCW course reviews
Book STCW Basic Safety Training Course today!
Contact us for more information about financing your career, or click on the icon below, and we will contact you.
If you prefer to pay by card, choose a start date, then review your booking.
6 day(s)
£850
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Still not sure?
From training to career advise we’ll be happy to sit down and give you the guidance you need!
If you are new to the Maritime industry and don’t have experience working on Superyachts, then you will benefit by gaining extra knowledge to stay above the rest.
RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a legal requirement to drive the yacht tenders so, for Deckhands, this is a must.
Along with our STCW Course, those looking to gain more experience and get that edge, we recommend our Superyacht Deckhand or Steward/ess courses.
Superyacht Deckhand Course
Our flagship course, equipping you with all the skills to launch your career as a Deckhand. Includes STCW.
15 day(s)
|
£3,340
Superyacht Stewardess Course
Start your career as a Steward or Stewardess with confidence, this course includes everything you need, including STCW.
15 day(s)
|
£3,340
RYA Powerboat Level 2 Course
Join our RYA Powerboat Level 2, learn a new skill, and have fun on the water.
2 day(s)
|
£340