If you’re a seafarer or work in the maritime industry, keeping your STCW certifications up-to-date is essential for maintaining safety standards and ensuring compliance with international regulations. At Seascope Maritime Training, we offer STCW Refresher Training for Fire Fighting and Personal Survival Techniques (PST) to help you stay ready for emergency situations at sea. Here’s what you can expect during this intensive and practical refresher course, designed to equip you with the skills needed to handle emergencies confidently and efficiently.
Why STCW Refresher Training is Important
STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) certifications, which include Basic Safety Training, need to be updated every five years to comply with international maritime regulations introduced in the STCW Manila Amendments (2010). This refresher training is mandatory for all seafarers and superyacht crew serving on commercial vessels over 24 metres in length. Without an up-to-date certification, you may face difficulties with Port State Control inspections, which could lead to your vessel failing inspection if crew members aren’t compliant.
About the Course
Seascope’s STCW Refresher Training for Updated Proficiency in Fire and PST spans one and a half days, with one full day dedicated to Fire Fighting and a half-day focused on Personal Survival Techniques. The course is offered at our training centres in Liverpool and Palma and is accredited by the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Pre-Requisites
To enrol, participants must have completed the STCW Basic Training Certification and possess a reasonable level of fitness, as the course is hands-on and physically demanding. A medical declaration is required before starting the course to ensure the safety of all participants.
Personal Survival Techniques (PST): What You’ll Learn
The Personal Survival Techniques (PST) portion of the course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to survive in the event of an abandonment at sea. This part of the refresher training follows the STCW Code (Table A-VI/1-1) and focuses primarily on practical exercises. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll cover:
- Survival at Sea Principles
Learn essential survival strategies, including how to stay calm, conserve energy, and increase your chances of being rescued. - Donning Life Jackets and Immersion Suits
Practice putting on a life jacket and immersion suit correctly to prepare for situations where you might need to abandon ship. Proper use of this equipment can be life-saving in cold or rough seas. - Boarding a Survival Craft
Understand how to board lifeboats or rafts safely in challenging conditions, ensuring you and your crew are safely secured and away from danger. - Operating Survival Craft Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the essential equipment onboard survival crafts, such as emergency food and water supplies, signalling devices, and first aid kits. - Using Location Devices
Learn how to operate location devices, including radio equipment and signal flares, to increase visibility and improve chances of rescue.
The PST portion of the course is highly practical, allowing you to physically practise these skills in a controlled environment, building confidence and readiness for real-life scenarios.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF): What You’ll Learn
Fire is one of the most dangerous threats onboard a vessel, and understanding how to respond quickly and effectively is crucial. The Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) module is a full day of intensive, hands-on training designed to give you the skills needed to handle fire emergencies. This module aligns with the STCW Code (Table A-VI/1-2) and covers the following areas:
- Understanding Fire Risks and Prevention
Learn about the common causes of fires on board, how to identify fire hazards, and the steps you can take to prevent fires from occurring. - Correctly Donning Fire Fighting Equipment
Practice putting on fire-resistant gear, including helmets, gloves, and boots, to protect yourself in a fire emergency. Proper gear handling is essential for safety during firefighting. - Using Breathing Apparatus (BA)
Gain experience using a breathing apparatus, which provides clean air in smoke-filled environments. This skill is crucial for safely navigating through smoke and confined spaces. - Identifying Fire Types and Extinguishing Methods
Understand different types of fires (e.g., electrical, oil, and chemical) and the appropriate extinguishing methods for each. Learn how to use various fire extinguishers and equipment to combat fires effectively. - Communication with the Fire Control Team
Effective communication is key in an emergency. Learn how to communicate with other crew members and the fire control team to coordinate an efficient and safe response. - Safety, Casualty Rescue, and Evacuation Techniques
Practice techniques for rescuing casualties from fire-affected areas and evacuating safely. These skills are essential for protecting lives and minimising risks during an emergency.
Get in touch to find out more about the STCW Refresher Training
STCW Refresher Training in Fire Fighting and Personal Survival Techniques is an invaluable course for all seafarers. By keeping these skills up-to-date, you ensure not only your personal safety but also contribute to the overall safety and compliance of your vessel. At Seascope Maritime Training, our refresher courses are designed to meet the highest standards, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to handle emergencies at sea.
Don’t let your certifications lapse and stay prepared and compliant with Seascope’s STCW Refresher Training. Book your course today and ensure you’re ready for whatever challenges the sea may bring.
