5.5 Days | 5 STCW Certificates | MCA-Approved Training | Southampton & Hamble
STCW Basic Safety Week – Course Overview
STCW Basic Safety Training is the internationally recognised safety qualification package required by many professional seafarers. Chieftain Training’s 5.5-day programme in Southampton includes the four core STCW Basic Training courses plus Proficiency in Security Awareness, providing five separate certificates upon successful completion.
STCW Basic Safety Training is an essential requirement for many people working aboard superyachts, commercial yachts, merchant ships, cruise ships, workboats and other commercially operated vessels. It is particularly important for those beginning a career as a superyacht deckhand, stewardess or engineer.
At Chieftain Training, we bring together the four core STCW Basic Training modules and a fifth module, Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA), allowing students to complete all five courses during one training programme.
Training combines classroom instruction with practical exercises, including firefighting, first aid, sea survival and liferaft drills. No previous maritime experience is required, making this an ideal starting point for those seeking their first professional job at sea.
STCW Basic Safety Course at a Glance
| Course information | Details |
|---|---|
| Course duration | 5.5 days |
| Location | Hamble and Hythe, Southampton |
| Minimum age | 16 years |
| Previous experience | None required |
| Qualifications | 5 STCW certificates, collectively known as Basic Safety Training (STCW BST) |
| Training format | Classroom and practical |
| Firefighting venue | Specialist MCA-approved provider in Hythe |
| Parking | Free at our Hamble training centre |
| Course dates | View Dates & Prices |
What Is STCW Basic Safety Training?
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
The Convention establishes internationally recognised standards for the training and competence of professional seafarers. It is administered internationally through the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with UK requirements overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
STCW Basic Training comprises four core safety modules under Regulation VI/1. Many seafarers must also complete Security Awareness training under Regulation VI/6, which is why commercial training packages commonly contain five courses.
The combined qualification package is frequently referred to as STCW Basic Safety Training, STCW Basic Safety Week, STCW BST, STCW ’95 (the former version) or STCW ’10 (the current version). Although the term STCW95 is still widely used, the Convention and its associated training requirements were amended in 2010.
What Courses Are Included in STCW Basic Safety Week?
Our programme includes five separate short STCW courses
- STCW Elementary First Aid (EFA)
- STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- STCW Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
- STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
1. STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
STCW Code A-VI/1-1
Personal Survival Techniques teaches you how to survive an emergency at sea, particularly when abandoning ship.
The course combines classroom learning with practical survival exercises in a swimming pool, including:
- Abandoning ship procedures
- Correct use of lifejackets and survival equipment
- Entering the water safely
- Swimming and survival techniques while wearing a lifejacket
- Boarding and using inflatable liferafts
- Surviving in the water individually and as a group
- Actions to take while awaiting rescue
Practical training helps candidates understand the difficulties of survival at sea and the importance of preparation, teamwork and appropriate equipment.
Read more about STCW Personal Survival Techniques
2. STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
STCW Code A-VI/1-2
Fire is one of the most serious emergencies aboard any vessel. With limited means of escape and potentially long distances from external assistance, crew must understand both fire prevention and emergency response. This course covers:
- Causes of fires aboard ships
- Fire prevention and protection
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Classes of fire and extinguishing methods
- Selecting and using firefighting equipment
- Breathing apparatus and protective equipment
- Fighting fires in realistic training conditions
- Teamwork and emergency procedures
The practical element includes exercises at a specialist firefighting training facility in Hythe, Southampton.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting is delivered by an external MCA-approved training provider.
Read more about STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
3. STCW Elementary First Aid (EFA)
STCW Code A-VI/1-3
When someone becomes ill or injured at sea, professional medical assistance may be many hours away. STCW Elementary First Aid provides essential knowledge and practical skills for responding to medical emergencies aboard ship. Subjects include:
- Assessing casualties and managing emergencies
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Managing an unconscious casualty
- Bleeding and shock
- Injuries, burns and fractures
- Common medical emergencies
- Safe casualty handling and first aid procedures
The course includes practical exercises designed to build confidence in managing an emergency until further assistance becomes available.
Read more about STCW Elementary First Aid
4. STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
STCW Code A-VI/1-4
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities prepares new seafarers for living and working safely aboard commercial vessels. The course covers:
- Safe working practices
- Shipboard emergency procedures
- Pollution prevention
- Effective communication
- Human relationships and teamwork
- Fatigue and the importance of adequate rest
- Personal responsibilities for safety
- Prevention of and response to violence and harassment
Important 2026 Update
From 1 January 2026, STCW PSSR training includes additional competence relating to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault. New students completing our MCA-approved PSSR course from 1 January 2026 receive training incorporating these updated requirements.
Existing seafarers subject to the MCA requirements who completed PSSR training before 1 January 2026 must complete supplementary training by 31 March 2027. The MCA provides an approved free online module for this purpose. Students completing Chieftain’s MCA-approved PSSR course under the updated syllabus do not need this additional module.
Read more about STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
5. STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
STCW Code A-VI/6-1
Proficiency in Security Awareness introduces the security threats that may affect commercial ships and their crews. This includes:
- Maritime security threats
- Piracy, armed robbery and terrorism
- Recognising suspicious activity
- Ship security procedures and security levels
- Reporting security concerns
- Individual security responsibilities & reporting procedures
- Maintaining security awareness aboard ship
PSA is particularly relevant to crew working aboard vessels subject to maritime security requirements such as cruise ship, super yachts and merchant vessels.
Read more about STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness
Who Needs STCW Basic Safety Training?
STCW Basic Training is required for many professional seafarers and is commonly requested by employers throughout the commercial maritime industry.
Superyacht Deckhands
STCW Basic Safety is one of the first qualifications prospective superyacht deckhands normally obtain before seeking employment.
Deck crew may also benefit from additional qualifications such as RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA PWC Proficiency, RYA VHF Radio and other practical boating courses.
Superyacht Stewardesses and Stewards
Interior crew work in the same maritime environment as deck and engineering personnel and may be required to undertake emergency duties.
STCW Basic Safety is therefore a common entry requirement for professional superyacht interior positions.
Superyacht Engineers
Engineering crew must understand emergency procedures, firefighting, personal survival and shipboard safety. STCW training forms an important part of professional maritime competence.
Commercial Vessel and Workboat Crew
STCW requirements vary according to vessel type, flag, operating arrangements and the duties assigned to crew.
Some smaller commercial vessels operate under alternative national training and certification arrangements, so STCW Basic Safety is not universally mandatory for every workboat.
Candidates should check the requirements of their employer, flag state or intended professional qualification.
Cruise Ships (Entertainers, Hospitality & Crew)
Most staff on board a cruise ship who have responsibilities in an emergency are required to hold STCW Basic Safety Training.
Where Does the STCW Basic Safety Course take place?
Our STCW Basic Safety Week takes place across two training venues in the Southampton area.
Chieftain Training – Hamble
Four of the five modules are delivered at our headquarters in Hamble, near Southampton:
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Elementary First Aid
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
- Proficiency in Security Awareness
Our Hamble training centre provides classroom facilities, practical training resources and free private parking for students. The pool session is run locally.
Firefighting Training – Hythe, Southampton
The Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting course is delivered at a specialist training facility in Hythe by an external MCA-approved training provider.
Students should be aware that the full programme takes place at two separate venues when arranging travel and accommodation.
Full joining instructions, including course locations, timings and equipment requirements, are supplied before training.
How Long Is STCW Basic Safety Training?
Chieftain’s STCW Basic Safety Week takes 5.5 days to complete.
During this period, students undertake all five courses, combining theoretical instruction, practical exercises and the assessments required for certification.
By booking the combined programme, students can complete the five qualifications together rather than arranging each course separately.
The booking calendar below shows the available course start dates.
STCW Basic Safety Entry Requirements
The minimum age for Chieftain’s STCW Basic Safety Week is 16 years. You must have sufficient physical fitness to participate safely in the required practical exercises and assessments.
No previous sailing, boating or commercial maritime experience is required.
However, students must be capable of participating safely in the practical training and assessments, particularly the swimming pool survival exercises and firefighting activities.
Candidates with medical conditions, disabilities or concerns about the practical elements should contact us before booking so that any reasonable adjustments and relevant training requirements can be discussed.
What Is Included in the Course Price?
Your STCW Basic Safety Week includes:
- 5.5 days of training
- All five STCW courses
- The five course certificates, subject to successful completion
- Use of the necessary practical training equipment
- Survival equipment and liferafts
- Firefighting training resources
- First aid training equipment
- Course manuals for all five modules
- Free parking at Chieftain’s Hamble headquarters
What Is Not Included?
Accommodation, meals and personal travel arrangements are not included.
Students travelling to Southampton may wish to arrange accommodation convenient for both Hamble and Hythe.
STCW Basic Safety Week Optional Additional Certificates
While you are with us there is the option to obtain additional certificates for selected elements of your training without having to devote any more time.
- RYA First Aid
- HSE Emergency First Aid at Work
- RYA Sea Survival
These additional certificates may be particularly useful for candidates working on smaller commercial vessels, sailing yachts, race yachts, water-sports craft or in other marine industries.
Optional dual certification starts from £40 and can be selected at the point of booking.
How Long Are STCW Basic Safety Certificates Valid?
The requirements for updating STCW training depend on the individual certificate.
| STCW Certificate | Updating requirement |
|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques | Every 5 years |
| Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting | Every 5 years |
| Elementary First Aid | Not required for STCW code but required every 5 years for RYA commercial endorsement holders |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities | No routine refresher. Additional training is required for pre-2026 PSSR certificates |
| Proficiency in Security Awareness | Not required |
The five-year updating requirements for Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting apply to relevant seafarers who must maintain evidence of continued competence on board. Individual employers, flag states and professional certification schemes may impose additional requirements.
Chieftain also offers STCW Updating Training for seafarers who need to refresh relevant certificates.
Why Choose Chieftain Training for STCW Basic Safety?
Specialist Maritime Training
Chieftain Training specialises in professional maritime safety, survival, first aid and practical marine training.
Our courses are designed for people who need to apply their knowledge in real working environments, including commercial vessels and superyachts.
Practical Distress Flare Training Included
Unlike many STCW Basic Safety courses, Chieftain Training includes a practical distress flare session during our Personal Survival Techniques training.
Students have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with maritime distress signalling equipment under controlled conditions and appropriate supervision.
Understanding how distress signals operate is valuable knowledge for anyone preparing to work at sea. Practical experience, not just classroom theory.
Practical Training
Our programme includes hands-on training in sea survival, first aid and firefighting, giving students practical experience of emergency situations. We are one of the few STCW centres that include a live flare firing session.
Convenient Southampton Location
Hamble is an established maritime centre on the River Hamble, close to Southampton and the Solent.
Our training headquarters offers free parking, with the specialist firefighting element conducted nearby in Hythe.
Additional Qualifications Available
Students can add selected RYA and HSE First Aid certificates during the same programme, making it possible to obtain further useful qualifications without additional training days.
MCA Approval
Chieftan Training holds its own MCA Approval to deliver the STCW First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques, PSSR and Proficiency in Security Awareness Modules. The Fire Fighting approval is held by our sister company.
STCW Basic Safety Training – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is STCW Basic Safety Training Week?
STCW Basic Training is internationally recognised maritime safety training comprising four core modules: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. Chieftain’s Basic Safety Week also includes Proficiency in Security Awareness, providing five separate certificates.
Is STCW Basic Safety the same as STCW95?
STCW95 is a commonly used industry term for STCW training. It refers to the 1995 amendments to the STCW Convention, although subsequent amendments have introduced additional requirements. STCW Basic Safety Training is the more accurate name for the current core training.
Do I need STCW Basic Safety to work on a superyacht?
Most professional superyacht employers require appropriate STCW Basic Training and Security Awareness certification for crew. This commonly applies to deckhands, stewardesses, stewards and engineers. Exact requirements depend on the vessel, its flag and the duties assigned.
Can I do STCW Basic Safety without any experience?
Yes. The course is suitable for beginners, including those entering the maritime or superyacht industries for the first time. No previous sailing or boating experience is required.
How long does STCW Basic Safety take?
Chieftain Training’s combined STCW Basic Safety Week takes 5.5 days and includes five separate courses.
Can I complete STCW Basic Safety online?
The complete programme cannot be undertaken entirely online. Practical elements such as sea survival, first aid and firefighting require attendance and assessment. Some separate maritime security or supplementary training may be available online where permitted by the relevant authority.
Do I need to be able to swim?
The Personal Survival Techniques course includes practical exercises in water, including entering the water, using a lifejacket and boarding a liferaft. Students must be able to participate safely in the required practical assessments. Anyone concerned about their swimming ability should contact Chieftain before booking.
Where is the STCW Basic Safety course held?
Four modules take place at Chieftain Training in Hamble, near Southampton. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting is delivered by a specialist MCA-approved provider at Hythe, Southampton.
Do STCW certificates expire?
Personal Survival Techniques and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting normally require updated training every five years for seafarers subject to those requirements. The First Aid requires a one day update every 5 years if it is being used for a RYA commercial endorsement. The other two certificates do not have an equivalent routine five-year refresher requirement, although additional regulatory or employer requirements may apply.
Can I get RYA First Aid or RYA Sea Survival certificates at the same time?
Yes. Optional dual certification is available in RYA First Aid, Emergency First Aid at Work and RYA Sea Survival without extending the 5.5-day training programme. Additional charges start from £40.
Are STCW certificates internationally recognised?
STCW establishes internationally agreed training standards, and certificates issued following MCA-approved training are widely recognised across the maritime industry. Acceptance for a particular job or certificate application ultimately depends on the relevant flag administration and employer.
Can I book the five STCW modules individually?
Yes. The five courses are available individually for students who only require certain certificates. However, the combined Basic Safety Week provides a convenient way to undertake all five together.
How much does STCW Basic Safety Training cost?
The course fee is given ins the booking calendar below. No VAT is added to the advertised course fee, so the price shown is the total you pay.
What should I bring to my STCW Basic Safety course?
You should bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothing for your Personal Survival Techniques training. Any additional clothing or equipment requirements will be explained in your joining instructions. All specialist training equipment is provided.
Book Your STCW Basic Safety Course in Southampton
Complete five STCW maritime safety and security qualifications in just 5.5 days with Chieftain Training.
Our Southampton-based programme is suitable for new entrants to the superyacht industry, commercial crew and other professional seafarers requiring recognised STCW training. Select your preferred course start date using the booking calendar below.
Booking Calendar