Overview
All crew joining a commercial vessel must complete the STCW Basic Safety Training Course. This course will provide the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to emergencies onboard and ensure the safety of the passengers and the vessel.
If you are about to start working as a crew member on a Superyacht, a merchant, fisherman, passenger, cruise ship, or workboat, you will likely require STCW Basic Safety Training before you step onboard.
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.
Upon successful completion of the STCW Basic Safety Course, you will receive your STCW certificates demonstrating competency in these essential skills. This certificate is usually required for employment in the maritime industry.
Accommodation
Almost all customers choose our accommodation option. Flying Fish crew houses in Cowes are comfortable and centrally located—just a 5-minute walk to the town and our training centre. You can mix and socialise with other people on the course who, like you, will start a career in the Superyacht industry.
Please select the accommodation option below if you want to stay with us.
Interested in starting a career on a Superyacht?
As well as the STCW course, you will need additional skills to become a competent Deckhand of Stewardess. If working on a Superyacht is your goal, we recommend our Superyacht Deckhand or Stewardess course. Some of the additional skills include:
- RYA Powerboat level two, required to drive Superyacht tenders.
- Bespoke Stewardess or Deckhand-specific training course.
- Career support service. We will allocate you with a mentor who will support you in writing your yachting CV and provide career and industry guidance.
MCA Training Centre
Flying Fish is an approved MCA training provider.
Why complete your STCW Training with Flying Fish?
Choose Flying Fish for your STCW Basic Safety Training and embark on your maritime career with confidence.
- Experienced instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals who bring real-world maritime experience to the classroom, ensuring practical and relevant training.
- High end facilities: Train using modern equipment and facilities that replicate real-life scenarios, enhancing your hands-on learning experience.
- Small class sizes: Benefit from personalised instruction and hands-on practice.
- Career-focused approach: Gain the skills and confidence to excel in a competitive job market
- Prime location: Our training centre is located in Cowes, Isle of Wight, a renowned maritime hub, providing an ideal environment for your training.
Discover why students choose our industry-leading training courses >
Key facts
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.
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.
As well as STCW, all crew who work on a commercial vessel, including Superyachts, must hold an ENG1 Medical.
We recommend you complete the ENG1 Medical before the start of the course, as it confirms you are fit to go to sea. However, it is not a booking condition so you can book your course without it.
There are no formal pre-course requirements, but you must be 18 or over to enrol on this course.
Fire Fighting and Personal Survival are physically demanding and require a good fitness level.
We recommend that all customers complete an ENG1 medical or equivalent medical before enrolling on this course. If you have concerns about your fitness, then please get in touch with Flying Fish.
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.
The STCW Basic Safety Training Course will include a written and practical assessment. Customers will be awarded a certificate on successful completion of all assessments.
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.
What our previous customers have to say
What an absolute honour and pleasure it was being a part of Flying Fish family for the 2 weeks I completed with them! From the professional, helpful and attentive staff to fun, laughter and memories.
Monika B
Staff are amazing and so kind! Great course and great accommodation. Lovely location and an all round great friendly atmosphere.
Ossia M
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 most popular course. Provides all the skills you need to work as a Deckhand. Includes STCW.
15 day(s)
£3,320
Superyacht Stewardess Course
This course is the right choice for anybody looking to become a Steward/Stewardess. Includes STCW.
15 day(s)
£3,320
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