You’ll gain knowledge and practical skills
from industry professionals
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.
MCA Training Centre
Our MCA approved STCW training centre, based in the heart of Cowes, Isle of Wight, UK, provides top-quality maritime training using the latest equipment and techniques.
Led by experienced and highly qualified instructors, these modern facilities ensure you gain the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed for a successful career at sea.
Full course information
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.
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

Self catering twin room
£290 for the full course duration
Almost all our students choose to stay in our premium self-catering accommodation, which is located just a 5-minute walk from both the town and our training centre at Cowes Yacht Haven. From shared meals to relaxing evenings, our houses are the starting point for friendships that often last far beyond your time in Cowes.
The accommodation option will appear after you select a course date here.
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.
Why Train With Flying Fish?

Train with experts

Small groups
Small class sizes for personalised,
hands-on learning

High end equipment
You’ll train in conditions
that match the real world
STCW course reviews
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 flagship course, equipping you with all the skills to launch your career as a Deckhand. Includes STCW.
15 day(s)
£3,320

Superyacht Stewardess Course
Start your career as a Steward or Stewardess with confidence, this course includes everything you need, including 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