Safety Trainings

Before discussing the different safety trainings, check on our list of all cruise lines whether the company you’re applying to offers it onboard for free. These trainings can be extremely expensive depending on your location. Even if you’re accepted, some companies may require you to retake the test onboard, especially if they provide the training at no cost. So, get informed first!

Most companies do not reimburse training costs, so don’t invest in one just to enhance your resume. Complete your interviews first, and only proceed with the required training (if not provided on board) when you receive approval.

Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW)

The 1978 STCW Convention established international standards for the training, certification, and watchkeeping of seafarers, addressing inconsistencies in national regulations. The Convention set minimum requirements that countries must meet or exceed. Major amendments in 1995 revised vague provisions, introduced the STCW Code divided into mandatory (Part A) and recommended (Part B) sections and required countries to report compliance measures to the IMO. The Convention’s regulations are structured into chapters covering various aspects of maritime training and operations.

Further revisions came with the 2010 Manila Amendments, which modernized training standards to reflect technological advancements and emerging challenges. Key updates included stricter measures against fraudulent certification, revised work and rest requirements, enhanced medical fitness standards, new training in electronic navigation and environmental awareness, and security training against piracy. Additionally, new certification requirements were introduced for able seafarers and electro-technical officers, along with updated guidance for personnel on specialized vessels, such as liquefied gas tankers and ships in polar waters.

Basic Safety Training (BST)

The Basic Safety Training (sometimes known as just “Basic Training”) course is a mandatory requirement for seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship. This course is designed for new entrants to the larger maritime industry, as well as experienced mariners who have not previously undergone safety training. It provides essential knowledge and skills to handle marine emergencies, including fire response, abandoning ship, and workplace safety.

In many parts of the world, this certificate is commonly but erroneously referred to as the “STCW Card” or simply “STCW.”

The training is also the minimum legal requirement for anyone seeking commercial work aboard vessels over 24 meters, such as superyachts and cruise ships. To receive a Basic Safety Training certificate, participants must be at least 18 years old and meet the competency standards outlined in various STCW sections. Assessment methods include a practical test in the water, direct observation, oral examinations, and written tests.

The courses inside the training include: Personal Survival Techniques (theory and practical tests), Fire Prevention and Fire-Fighting (theory and practical tests), Elementary first aid (theory and practical tests) and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (theory only).

Upon successful completion, certification is valid for five years. With the implementation of the STCW 2010 amendments, seafarers must complete a refresher course every five years to maintain their certification. Since 2017, the training certificate must include the following details: your full name, identification number, profile photo, and a sticker displaying both your identification number and certificate number (certificates emitted on board often don’t have stickers, the information is printed altogether). Without these elements, the certificate is considered invalid. Additionally, it is important to remember that, like any official document, you are not permitted to laminate your certificate.

Ship Security Awareness (SSA)

This course provides fundamental knowledge of ship security procedures that must be applied in emergency situations. As it focuses on protection against external threats, it is informally referred to as the anti-piracy or anti-terrorism course on board. Internationally recognized as Ship Security Awareness (SSA), this course may be known by different names depending on the country or company. The certificate does not expire, meaning crew members can use the same certificate for multiple contracts and different employers.

Participants gain critical knowledge on security threats, risk assessment, and preventive measures through an accredited program. This course ensures compliance with STCW requirements and prioritizes maritime security through a comprehensive and informative training approach. By completing the Security Awareness course, participants receive a certificate and acquire the necessary competencies to:

Contribute to maritime security through increased awareness, recognize security threats and respond appropriately, identify and detect weapons, dangerous substances, and devices, understand emergency security procedures and assess and identify potential maritime security threats.

Crowd and Crisis Management

This training is often offered on board cruise ships for free and do not need to be completed on land, and as well can be administered as a single course or in separate portions for “Crowd” and “Crisis”.

The study of human behavior focuses on the strategies and techniques necessary to handle sudden and significant emergencies effectively. Proper crisis management helps prevent accidents, safeguard passengers and crew, protect cargo, and minimize environmental risks.

The Crowd Management portion includes the “Safety training for personnel providing direct service to passengers in passenger spaces” module, and aims to provide training on how to control a crowd in an emergency on board, locate essential safety and emergency equipment on board, communicate effectively with passengers during an emergency, demonstrate the use of personal life-saving appliances and comply with the ship’s safety and emergency procedures.

Crisis is designed to equip masters, officers, ratings, and other personnel on passenger ships with the essential training required for managing crises efficiently. It covers key aspects such as decision-making under pressure, emergency response coordination, and maintaining order during critical situations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board.

Safety and Ship Familiarization

Often referred to as “ship” or “vessel familiarization,” this training is typically conducted on the first day of joining a vessel. It serves as an introduction to onboard safety, environmental policies, and human resources, as well as the various services available to crew members.

During this session, senior leadership will introduce themselves before crew members are divided into groups based on their respective departments for a guided ship tour. New hires will watch instructional videos and receive additional safety briefings, including how to identify emergency equipment and recognize different types of doors, such as fire screen doors (FSD), watertight doors (WTD), and weather doors. This training ensures that all crew members, especially those new to shiplife, are well-prepared for their roles and understand the ship’s safety protocols.

Advanced and Speciality trainings:

Trainings mentioned from this section and below are specific courses considered to be advanced techniques and are not required for all positions on board, although some cruise lines might still provide them on board free of charge for their crew members.

PSCRB - Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (other than fast rescue boats)

This course trains crew members in the launching and handling of survival craft through practical exercises using both open and enclosed lifeboats, as well as inflatable rescue boats. The training builds confidence, competence, and knowledge of essential safety procedures. Upon completion, participants should be able to take charge of a survival craft or rescue boat during and after launch, operate a survival craft engine, manage survivors and survival craft after abandoning ship, use locating devices including communication tools, signaling apparatus, and pyrotechnics, and apply first aid to survivors. This training ensures that crew members are prepared to respond effectively in emergency situations, prioritizing safety and survival at sea.

Advanced Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting

Crew members on board a ship must be prepared to handle fire-related incidents while at sea. This training goes beyond basic fire response by providing advanced fire fighting and fire prevention techniques. Through extensive hands-on exercises, participants are exposed to live fire scenarios where they apply their training to control fires on a larger scale. Using specialized fire fighting equipment, they learn to assess situations, manage fire hazards, and execute effective response strategies to ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew.

Medical First Aid & Medical Care

This advanced first aid and medical care training equips crew members with the skills needed to respond effectively to accidents and illnesses on board. Participants will gain knowledge and understanding of reference materials used in managing medical emergencies and learn to apply first aid techniques in real-life situations. Upon completion, trainees will be able to demonstrate competence in providing immediate medical assistance, including understanding the construction and function of various parts of the human body, managing the ship’s medical store, applying general principles of pharmacology, and handling accidents or medical emergencies. The training is classroom-based and highly interactive, incorporating role-playing and practical exercises to reinforce learning and ensure proficiency.

Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB)

This course provides training for candidates to launch and take charge of a fast rescue boat, in accordance with Section A-VI/2 of the STCW Code. Upon meeting the minimum competency standards, trainees will be qualified to handle and operate fast rescue boats effectively. To enroll, seafarers must be medically fit and possess a valid Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, excluding Fast Rescue Boats (PSCRB).

GMDSS General Operator Certificate

The General Operator’s Certificate (GOC) for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a 10-day, full-time course designed to prepare participants for assessment leading to certification through written and practical examinations.

Upon successful completion of the course and examination, trainees will be proficient in operating GMDSS equipment and will hold primary responsibility for radio communications in distress, urgency, safety, and routine situations.

While the course requires minimal prior knowledge of maritime radio communication, participants should have a basic understanding of English and elementary computer skills. Those without computer proficiency may need additional training to fully engage with the course material.

There are more specific courses inside the STCW regulations, but we've listed the most commonly required.

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