Returning to Sea After a Long Break

Taking a break from the maritime world can be refreshing, but when it’s time to return to sea, ensuring that your certifications are up-to-date is crucial. Whether you’re planning to join a superyacht crew or any other maritime role, the most important step is to review your STCW certificates, as these are often the foundation of your professional readiness.

Why Updated Certification Matters

The Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates ensure that seafarers meet global safety and competency standards. Over time, safety protocols and regulations may change, and refresher training ensures you’re fully prepared for emergencies and compliant with current rules.

If your STCW Basic Safety Training was completed more than five years ago, you may not need to retake the entire course. Instead, you’ll likely need to complete STCW Refresher training for specific modules:

1. Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting:
   This module ensures you stay skilled in handling fire emergencies, using firefighting equipment, and understanding fire prevention measures.

2. Updated Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST):
   This module refreshes your knowledge of survival equipment, life rafts, and what to do in emergencies at sea, such as abandoning ship.

It’s worth noting that unless your yacht management company or employer requires a full re-certification, only the refresher modules are necessary. Some countries or flag states may impose their own specific rules, so always check the requirements of your employer.

Do All STCW Certificates Need Refreshing?

Not necessarily. Unlike the refresher modules for fire prevention and personal survival techniques, the other two components of STCW Basic Safety Training — Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — typically don’t have a five-year expiry unless specifically stated by your training provider or employer.

Tips for a Smooth Return to Sea

1. Check Your Certification Dates: Make sure all required documents, including medical certificates like the ENG1, are valid.
2. Verify Employer Requirements: Yacht management companies often have specific policies on certification. Confirm if they require more than the standard STCW updates.
3. Plan Ahead: Refresher courses can fill up quickly, especially during busy seasons. Book your training well in advance to avoid delays.
4. Review Changes in Industry Standards: Take time to catch up on any new regulations or industry practices that may have emerged while you were ashore.

If you’ve been dreaming of life at sea again, now is the perfect time to take the leap—just make sure you’re prepared, certified, and ready to sail!

Our next STCW Refresher course is scheduled on the 30th-31st of January, 2025. Places are available.