STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) Course – Hamble, Southampton
MCA-Approved STCW Training | Half-Day Course | Hamble, SouthamptonOur STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) course introduces new seafarers to the safety procedures, working practices and personal responsibilities involved in living and working aboard commercial vessels. This internationally recognised qualification is one of the four core modules of STCW Basic Training and is required for many people beginning careers in the merchant navy, superyacht industry and commercial shipping. Delivered at our training centre in Hamble, near Southampton, the half-day classroom-based course covers shipboard safety, emergency procedures, communication, teamwork, pollution prevention and the responsibilities of professional seafarers. No previous maritime experience is required, making the course suitable for those preparing for their first job at sea. Students can book PSSR as a standalone qualification or as part of our 5.5-day STCW Basic Safety Training package.
STCW PSSR Course at a Glance
| Course Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities |
| Course duration | Half day course |
| Location | Hamble, Southampton |
| Approval | MCA-approved training |
| STCW reference | Regulation VI/1, Section A-VI/1-4 |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Previous experience | None required |
| Training format | Classroom-based |
| Certificate | STCW PSSR Certificate |
| Parking | Free private parking |
What Is STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities?
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The Convention, administered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), establishes internationally agreed minimum standards of competence for professional seafarers. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) is one of the four core STCW Basic Training modules specified under Regulation VI/1 of the Convention. Unlike training that concentrates on specific emergency response skills, such as firefighting or survival at sea, PSSR focuses on the everyday responsibilities of working safely and effectively aboard a commercial vessel. Working at sea presents challenges rarely encountered in shore-based employment. Crew may live and work together for extended periods, often in confined spaces and far from immediate assistance. Effective communication, teamwork, an understanding of emergency procedures and respect for fellow crew members are therefore essential. The PSSR course introduces these principles and helps new seafarers prepare for life aboard ship.
Who Needs STCW PSSR Training?
STCW PSSR is required for seafarers who are subject to the Basic Training requirements of STCW Regulation VI/1. The course is particularly relevant to those seeking employment in the following sectors.
Superyacht Deckhands
Deckhands working on professional superyachts must understand safe working procedures, emergency responsibilities, communication and teamwork. STCW Basic Training is a standard entry requirement for many superyacht positions.
Superyacht Stewardesses and Stewards
Interior crew share responsibility for shipboard safety, even when their primary duties involve hospitality, housekeeping or guest services. PSSR provides essential knowledge of the professional maritime environment, including safe working practices and responsibilities towards fellow crew members.
Merchant Navy and Commercial Shipping
Deck, engineering and other seafarers serving aboard merchant ships may require PSSR as part of their mandatory STCW Basic Training.
Cruise Ship Crew
STCW requirements for cruise ship personnel vary according to their roles and assigned duties. Crew with designated safety or pollution prevention responsibilities may require STCW Basic Training, while other personnel may have different passenger ship or security training requirements.
Commercial Yacht and Workboat Crew
PSSR may be required by those operating aboard certain commercially operated yachts, workboats and other vessels. Requirements depend on the vessel, its flag, operating arrangements and the seafarer’s duties. Candidates should check their employer’s or certification authority’s requirements before booking.
STCW PSSR Course Syllabus – What Will You Learn?
The course covers the knowledge and responsibilities needed to contribute to a safe and effective working environment aboard ship.1. Emergency Procedures
Every crew member needs to understand what to do when something goes wrong at sea. Training covers:- Types of emergencies that may arise aboard ship
- Emergency alarms and signals
- Muster lists, muster stations and assigned duties
- Actions to take when an emergency is discovered
- Understanding and following emergency instructions
2. Safe Working Practices
Ships contain numerous hazards, including moving machinery, working at height, slippery decks, confined spaces and potentially dangerous equipment. Topics include:- Identifying hazards and assessing risks
- Safe systems of work
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Working safely with tools and machinery
- Enclosed-space hazards and entry precautions
- Accident prevention and reporting
3. Effective Communication on Board
Clear communication is essential for safe shipboard operations, particularly when working with multinational crews. Subjects include:- Effective verbal and non-verbal communication
- Understanding and following instructions
- Reporting hazards, incidents and emergencies
- Communication within the shipboard chain of command
- Overcoming language and cultural barriers
4. Human Relationships and Teamwork
Working and living alongside the same people for extended periods requires cooperation, mutual respect and professionalism. The course examines:- Working effectively as part of a crew
- Responsibilities towards colleagues
- Cultural differences and international crews
- Maintaining professional working relationships
- Understanding the shipboard chain of command and individual responsibilities
- Resolving disagreements appropriately
5. Fatigue, Health and Personal Responsibilities
Fatigue and poor personal judgement can have serious consequences at sea. Training includes:- The causes and effects of fatigue
- The importance of rest and sleep
- Fitness for duty
- The effects of alcohol and drugs
- Personal health, hygiene and wellbeing
- Individual responsibilities for maintaining a safe working environment
6. Pollution Prevention and Environmental Responsibilities
All seafarers have a role in protecting the marine environment. This section introduces:- Sources of marine pollution
- The consequences of pollution incidents
- Waste management and pollution prevention
- Reporting pollution and unsafe practices
- Individual responsibilities for environmental protection
7. Prevention of Violence and Harassment
The STCW PSSR syllabus was updated on 1 January 2026 to introduce additional requirements relating to the prevention of, and response to, violence and harassment at sea, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault. Our MCA-approved course incorporates these requirements, including:
- Recognising inappropriate behaviour and harassment
- Understanding the effects on crew safety, health and wellbeing
- Identifying situations involving discrimination or abuse of power
- Reporting concerns and responding appropriately
- Understanding the principles of supporting those affected, including trauma-informed responses
These subjects form part of the normal PSSR training and help promote a safe, professional and respectful working environment aboard ship.
STCW PSSR Course Duration and Delivery
The STCW PSSR course takes half a day to complete. Training is delivered in a classroom at Chieftain Training’s Hamble headquarters, near Southampton. The course uses instructor-led presentations, discussions and maritime examples to introduce the responsibilities and challenges of working at sea. There are no strenuous physical or water-based exercises. PSSR can be undertaken independently or alongside the other STCW Basic Training modules.
STCW PSSR Course Prerequisites
There are no previous maritime training or sea service requirements. Candidates must:- Be at least 16 years old
- Provide suitable identification when attending the course
- Have sufficient spoken and written English to participate in the training and assessment
Previous experience of working aboard a vessel may be helpful but is not necessary. Candidates with particular learning or accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact us before attending so that appropriate reasonable adjustments can be considered.
STCW PSSR Certificate and Validity
Following successful completion of the course and its required assessments, candidates receive an STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities Certificate issued under the applicable MCA-approved training arrangements. The certificate demonstrates that the holder has completed the training specified in STCW Code Section A-VI/1-4.
Does an STCW PSSR Certificate Expire?
Unlike STCW Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, PSSR does not have a routine five-year refresher requirement. However, seafarers who qualified in PSSR before 1 January 2026 are required to take a free MCA approved on line update module about violence and harassment. Those holding an MCA-approved PSSR certificate issued on or after 1 January 2026 do not need the supplementary module. The deadline for affected seafarers is 31 March 2027.
What Is Included in the STCW PSSR Course?
Your course includes:- Half a day of instructor-led training
- All required course instruction and assessment
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities Certificate (subject to successful completion)
- Tea and coffee
- Free private parking at our Hamble training centre
What Is Not Included?
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Travel to and from the training centre
Why Choose Chieftain Training for STCW PSSR?
Specialist Maritime Training Provider
Chieftain Training delivers professional maritime training across a wide range of approved STCW, MCA and RYA qualifications. Our instructors bring practical maritime experience into the classroom, helping students understand how the subjects taught relate to real situations aboard ship.
MCA-Approved Training
Our PSSR course is delivered under MCA approval and follows the applicable STCW training requirements.Convenient Southampton Location
Our headquarters in Hamble is close to Southampton and the Solent, one of the UK’s principal maritime centres. Students benefit from dedicated training facilities and free private parking.
Suitable for Beginners
Many students attend PSSR before starting their first job aboard a commercial vessel or superyacht. We explain maritime terminology and shipboard procedures without assuming previous professional experience.
Complete Your STCW Basic Safety Training with Us
Chieftain delivers PSSR both as an individual course and as part of our comprehensive 5.5-day STCW Basic Safety Week, allowing students to complete four STCW Basic Training modules plus STCW Security Awareness in one programme.
STCW PSSR or the Full STCW Basic Safety Week?
If you only require a PSSR certificate, you can book this half-day course independently. However, most people entering the superyacht industry or embarking on a professional maritime career will require additional STCW Basic Training qualifications. Our STCW Basic Safety Week combines five courses:
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – survival equipment, liferafts and abandoning ship.
- STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) – preventing and responding to fires aboard ship.
- STCW Elementary First Aid (EFA) – first aid and emergency medical response.
- STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – safe working practices and shipboard responsibilities.
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA) – identifying and responding to maritime security threats.
The first four form the core of STCW Basic Training under Regulation VI/1, while Security Awareness is a separate requirement under Regulation VI/6. The combined programme takes 5.5 days and is ideal for students who need all five certificates.
Find Out More About STCW Basic Safety WeekSTCW PSSR – Frequently Asked Questions
What does PSSR stand for?
PSSR stands for Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. It is one of the four core modules of STCW Basic Training and introduces the safety procedures, working practices and responsibilities expected of professional seafarers.Is STCW PSSR mandatory?
PSSR is mandatory for seafarers who fall within the STCW Basic Training requirements of Regulation VI/1. This includes many people working aboard commercial ships and professional superyachts. Requirements vary according to vessel type, flag and assigned duties.How long is the STCW PSSR course?
Chieftain Training delivers STCW PSSR as a half-day classroom-based course at Hamble, near Southampton.Can I take STCW PSSR without previous maritime experience?
Yes. No previous professional maritime experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners preparing to work at sea for the first time.Is STCW PSSR the same as STCW95?
PSSR is a specific STCW Basic Training module. STCW95 is an older industry term often used to describe STCW training following the 1995 amendments to the Convention. The STCW Convention and Code have subsequently been amended, including in 2010 and 2026.Does an STCW PSSR certificate expire?
There is no routine five-year STCW PSSR refresher requirement. However, additional training may be necessary when regulations are amended, and candidates must satisfy the requirements of their employer or relevant maritime administration.Do I need to update my STCW PSSR certificate following the 2026 changes?
Seafarers who completed MCA-approved PSSR training before 1 January 2026 may need additional training to meet the revised STCW requirements covering violence, harassment and bullying. Under MCA guidance MGN 718, affected UK seafarers must complete the free, approximately one-hour OneOcean supplementary training module by 31 March 2027. Those who completed MCA-approved PSSR training on or after 1 January 2026 do not need this additional module. There is no requirement to repeat the full PSSR course simply because of the 2026 amendments. Seafarers should also check any requirements imposed by their flag state or employer.Is STCW PSSR required for superyacht crew?
STCW Basic Training, including PSSR, is commonly required for professional superyacht deck, interior and engineering crew. Candidates should confirm the specific training requirements of their intended vessel or employer.Is PSSR a practical course?
PSSR is primarily classroom-based. Unlike Personal Survival Techniques or Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, there are no swimming pool or practical firefighting exercises. Training focuses on understanding and applying safe working practices and personal responsibilities.Can I book STCW PSSR separately?
Yes. You can book PSSR as an individual half-day course. It is also included in Chieftain’s 5.5-day STCW Basic Safety Training package.Where can I take an STCW PSSR course near Southampton?
Chieftain Training delivers MCA-approved STCW PSSR courses at its headquarters in Hamble, near Southampton. Free private parking is available for students.What should I bring to my STCW PSSR course?
Bring suitable identification and follow the joining instructions provided before your course. As PSSR is classroom-based, there is no requirement for specialist sailing clothing or swimming equipment.Can I complete STCW PSSR online?
Chieftain Training delivers its MCA-approved STCW PSSR course in person at our training centre in Hamble, Southampton. The full initial PSSR qualification should not be confused with the free OneOcean supplementary training module introduced for existing seafarers under the 2026 amendments. This supplementary module does not replace the full initial PSSR qualification.Book Your STCW PSSR Course in Southampton
Complete your STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training in just half a day with Chieftain Training. Our MCA-approved course is suitable for aspiring superyacht crew, merchant seafarers and other maritime professionals requiring this internationally recognised qualification. Choose from our scheduled course dates using the booking calendar below. Alternatively, if you require all five STCW safety and security modules, consider booking our 5.5-day STCW Basic Safety Week.