STCW Basic Training Courses
What Is STCW Basic Training?
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), which the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established in 1978, designates a set of minimal international training standards for professional mariners. The intention of STCW training programs is to promote the safety of life and property at sea, as well as ensure protective measures for the marine environment.
The STCW Basic Training course provides instruction and practical training in relevant safety skills necessary to work onboard a vessel in a variety of different roles with designated duties.
Our STCW-compliant and USCG approved Basic Training courses includes training for the following:
- Basic Firefighting: This course combines classroom instruction and field training for fire identification, prevention and detection and firefighting skills. Learn search and rescue (SAR) and techniques for navigating dark and smoke-filled environments.
- Personal Survival Techniques: Gain basic survival knowledge and skills for overcoming common emergencies at sea, including locating supplies and emergency craft and rescue boats, operating life-saving equipment and procedures for abandoning ship.
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities: This module involves classroom instruction only, followed by an exam. The PSSR module covers subjects including workplace relationships, safe work environments, personal care and more.
- Elementary First Aid: Learn basic medical first aid skills and CPR techniques with a focus on for maritime situations.
Qualifying members of commercial fishing crews in the Pacific Northwest may be eligible for free Coast Guard-approved training. Please contact [email protected] to see if you qualify.
What is the difference between STCW Basic Training, Basic Training Revalidation, and Basic Training Refresher?
Maintaining an STCW Basic Training endorsement on your Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) requires that you revisit these skills every five years as part of the process of renewing your MMC. There are three tiers of Basic Training competence and maintenance that are outlined below:
- Basic Training (Original Certification Course): This is the original training course required to obtain the Basic Training endorsement and includes the four elements (Basic Firefighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, First Aid/CPR) as described above. Most original Basic Training courses are 5-days in length.
- Basic Training Refresher: This course is required of mariners who are renewing their MMC and hold an STCW Basic Training endorsement, but are not sailing regularly (or not at all) and have not met the minimal requirement of 360 days at sea within the 5-year validity period of their MMC. For these mariners, revisiting all elements of the original certification course is required. Mariners who take the refresher course can expect updated proficiency in medical care, survival on crafts, fire fighting, fire prevention and updated STCW basic safety training. Most Basic Training Refresher courses are 3-days in length.
- Basic Training Revalidation: This course is required of mariners who are renewing their MMC, hold an STCW Basic Training endorsement, and have been sailing regularly. These mariners will have 360 days or more of sea service within the 5-year validity period of their MMC and will have earned that time while sailing on vessels that are required by the U.S. Coast Guard to hold regular safety-related drills. For these mariners, revisiting the Personal Survival Techniques and Basic Firefighting elements of the original certification course is required. Most Basic Training Revalidation courses are 2-days in length.
Unsure about which Basic Training course is right for you? Contact a MITAGS advisor to discuss your licensing and renewal needs. Whether you are a security officer, chief mate, officer of the watch, operator, chief engineer or are looking for a STCW course for training your crew, a MITAGS advisor can help find the right course for your needs.
Want to learn more about STCW and how it applies to your license advancement goals beyond Basic Training? Read our guide!
Find a Campus Near you!
With two campus locations, MITAGS has the ability to offer STCW basic training courses, as well as refresher and revalidation courses, coast to coast to meet the needs of mariners across the U.S. Find our training centers in:
- Seattle, Washington
- Linthicum Heights, Maryland
Some of these STCW courses are being offered online or as a blended program. Course costs vary by type, level, and duration, as well as location and date.
Please note:
Students in these program(s) will be required to participate in rigorous physical activity which will include, but is not limited to, the following activities:
- Jumping into pool from height of approximately one meter.
- Swimming a distance of approximately 20 feet while wearing a PFD or immersion suit.
- Staying afloat for approximately 1 minute without the use of a PFD or similar aid.
- Deploying and entering a life raft and righting a capsized life raft while wearing a PFD or immersion suit.
- Conducting search & rescue of simulated personnel casualties weighing approximately 150 pounds from an enclosed space-smoke/fire environment while wearing breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
- Extinguishing fires with and without the aid of breathing apparatus. This will include moving quickly and climbing up and down ladders while holding fire fighting equipment such as heavy hoses.
- Bending, stooping, lifting, and turning real or simulated patients.
- Performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on a mannequin
Fremont Maritime Merger
Fremont Maritime Services has merged its wide range of USCG-approved basic training and safety programs, including its renowned India Tango Marine Firefighting Training Program, into MITAGS.
It is extremely important to us that our customers receive the same great service that Fremont has been providing over the many years, and it is our intent to make this transition as seamless as possible.
The Fremont courses are now offered in addition to the Safety and Emergency Response programs at both our Baltimore and Seattle campuses.
The majority of mariners are looking for information on:
To alleviate confusion as to what is Revalidation vs. Refresher, please see a brief explanation below.
- Revalidation — Required for all mariners to keep your Basic Training and Advanced Firefighting certificates valid.
- Refresher — Only for Mariners that do not have one (1) year of sea-time within the last five (5) years. However, these courses meet the requirement for revalidation.
Course List:
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Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour)
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This course (MITAGS-54) is designed to train seafarers in minimizing risk, maintaining state of readiness, and extinguishing shipboard fires. It combines both classroom and practical fire-field exercises in full turnout gear with live burns. This course is also part of the Basic Safety Training course. This module is one of the four elements (fire-fighting, personal survival, personal and social responsibility) necessary for STCW 2010 Basic Training (BT). BT is required for all mariners with safety or emergency duties sailing on vessels 200 GRT tons or greater on near coastal or ocean voyages.
To schedule this one module, please contact our admissions team for the specific date of this module during one of our scheduled BT course sessions.
This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR training requirements
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting per STCW Code Section A-VI/1; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting per 46 CFR 11.302(a)(2) and 46 CFR 12.602(a)(2); Basic Fire Fighting per 46 CFR 11.201(h)(2) [Basic only] and 46 CFR 11.201(h)(3); AND The firefighting requirements for a national tankerman endorsement in 46 CFR 13.201(c)(3), 13.301(c)(3); 13.401(d); and 13.501(c)(3).
- NVIC 08-14 Tasks: 2.1.A, 2.2.A, 2.3.A, 2.4.A, 2.5.A, 2.5.B, 2.5.C, 2.6.A, 2.7.A, 2.8.A, 2.8.B, 2.8.C, 2.9.A, 2.9.B, 3.1.A, 3.2.A, 3.2.B, 3.3.A, 3.4.A, 3.4.B, 3.5.A, 3.6.A, 3.7.A, 3.8.A, 3.8.B, 3.8.C, and 3.8.D.
- NVIC 12-14 Task 19.2.A
- 46 CFR 12.602(a)(2)
- 46 CFR 11.201(h)(2)[Basic Only]
- 46 CFR 11.201(h)(3)
- 46 CFR 13.201(c)(3), 13.301(c)(3), 13.401(d), or 13.501(c)(3) for any tankerman endorsement
Prerequisites- There are no entry requirements other than general good health and the physical ability to safely carry out rigorous activities during “live” fire fighting exercises. Fire-field safety rules require all students to be clean shaven in order to ensure a proper seal with the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Each student will be required to complete a screening questionnaire prior to training.
Suggested Courses/Skills- None.
- Course Format2 Days
- Length2 Days
- Training MethodLecture and Practical Demonstration
- SimulationHands on practice in extinguishing live fires
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Basic Training
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This is required by the STCW 2010 code for all mariners with safety or pollution control duties. Basic Training (Basic Safety Training) combines all four elements of basic safety into a 5-day program. Training may be taken individually depending on attendee's needs. These courses are designed for seafarers in order to provide immediate life-saving first aid until the arrival of first–aiders of greater training. This course is created to meet the standards of competency in elementary first aid, fire fighting, personal safety and personal survival.
If you are in need of one of the individual elements, please contact our admissions team for more information.
This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR training requirements:
46 CFR 11.302(a)(3),46 CFR 12.602(a)(3), 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1), 46 CFR 11.302(a)(2), 46 CFR 12.602(a)(2), 46 CFR 11.201(h)(2) [Basic only] 46 CFR 11.201(h)(3), 46 CFR 13.201(c)(3), 46 CFR 13.301(c)(3), 46 CFR 13.401(d), 46 CFR 13.501(c)(3), 46 CFR 11.302(a)(4), 46 CFR 12.602(a)(4), 46 CFR 11.302(a)(1), 46 CFR 12.602(a)(1)
46 CFR 11.205 (l) (4) Formerly 10.205(i)(4)
- 46 CFR 11.202 (b) (1) .Formerly 10.202(b)(1)
- 46 CFR 11.202(b)(2) Formerly 10.202 (b)(2)
- 46 CFR 11.202(b)(3) Formerly 10.202 (b)(3)
- 46 CFR 11.205(d) Formerly 10.205 (d)
- 46 CFR 11.205(e)(l)(ii) Formerly 10.205 (e)(i)(ii)
- 46 CFR 11.205(e)(2)(iii) Formerly 10.205 (e)(2)(iii)
- 46 CFR 11.401(g)(1) Formerly 10.401 (g)(1)
- 46 CFR 13.201(e)
- 46 CFR 13.301(e)
- 46 CFR 13.401(e)
- 46 CFR 13.501(e)
Please note for the PST section: If the participant is unable to swim, tread water, or has a fear of water they will be dis-enrolled from the course until such time the participant can provide evidence of successfully completing swimming lessons. MITAGS will accept the equivalent of the YMCA's adult beginner (level 1). If the participant indicates at the beginning of or prior to the start of the BT-PST portion that they are unable to swim, tread water, or has a fear of water they will be refunded the price of the BT-PST portion. Note: NO refund will be provided if the participant does not indicate to the staff prior to the pool session.
Prerequisites- Ability to tread water for 1-minute without assistance. Must be 18 years of age.
Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 08-14.
- Course Format5 Days
- Length5 Days
- Training MethodLecture and Practical Demostration
- SimulationNone
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Basic Training Refresher
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The basic training refresher course, previously called a basic safety training (BST) refresher course, is a 23-hour class designed to provide you with a refresher of basic maritime personal survival techniques. It also reviews personal social and safety responsibilities, first aid, and fire prevention and firefighting skills, which fulfills the 2010 Amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, as amended.
This STCW refresher course is for mariners who do not have one year of sea time within the last five years.
View the available course dates
Prerequisites- Basic Training Course and the ability to tread water for 1-minute without assistance.
Suggested Courses/Skill- See NVIC 08-14.
Our experienced instructors also recommend familiarizing yourself with Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVIC) 08-14, which details the guidelines for STCW qualifications.
Requirements Satisfied by the BT Refresher Course
The BT refresher course offered at MITAGS-PMI satisfies the following NVIC and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements:
- Section A-VI/1
- 46 CFR 11.302(e)
- 46 CFR 12.602(e)
- NVIC 08-14 National Assessment Guidelines
It also meets the continued competency requirements for STCW Basic Training in STCW, as amended in 2010.
Location of Your Basic Safety Training Refresher Class
We host our basic safety training refresher class at our campus in Linthicum Heights, MD. If you are traveling from out of state, the facility is less than five miles from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). It is also only 15 minutes from the Port of Baltimore. The state-of-the-art facility features a three-star equivalent hotel, plus a fitness room, swimming pool and medical lab.
Note West Coast Campus Only: The schedule below may reflect more than three days. To find out the exact three day schedule please contact admissions. Generally, classes will not occur on the weekend.
- Course Format3 Days
- Length3 Days
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Basic Training Revalidation
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The basic training revalidation course (MITAGS-718), previously known as a basic safety training (BST) revalidation course, is a sixteen-hour course. It provides you with a refresher of basic maritime personal survival and fire prevention/firefighting skills, which fulfills the 2010 Amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, as amended, training requirements as listed in CG-CVC Policy Letter No. 12-07.
If you complete this STCW revalidation course, you will satisfy the minimum standard of competence in personal survival techniques and fire prevention and firefighting of Table A-VI/1-1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code, as amended. You must, however, have been previously certified per Section VI/1 of the STCW Code, as amended, and present evidence of one year of service within the past five years to the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
STCW Renewal Requirements
Successful revalidation of your STCW certificate starts by complying with USCG STCW renewal requirements, which include verification of your U.S. citizenship, medical certificate and Merchant Marine Licensing and Documentation (MMLD), as well as several other factors, depending on your vessel.
BT Revalidation Class Requirements
As well as providing proof of your service as a mariner, you must also meet the following requirements to take part in BT revalidation classes:
- General good health
- Physical ability to safely carry out rigorous activities during “live” firefighting exercises
- Clean-shaven appearance to comply with fire-field safety rules
Each attendee will be required to complete a screening questionnaire before beginning the STCW basic training revalidation course.
Location of BT Revalidation Classes
We host our two-day BT revalidation classes at our state-of-the-art campus in Linthicum Heights, MD. The Maryland campus is less than five miles from the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). We also maintain a three-star hotel, and there are complimentary shuttles to Baltimore Light Rail, BWI Amtrack Rail.
Registration for STCW Basic Training Revalidation Course
We maintain a streamlined registration process for our STCW basic training revalidation course. Choose your course date, add it to your cart and create your account. Following your account set up, you can provide payment to cover the cost of your BT revalidation class. If you need assistance, our team in Maryland is ready to help.
- Course Format2 Days
- Length2 Days
- Training MethodLecture and Practical Demonstration
- SimulationHands on practice in extinguishing live fires
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First Aid and CPR
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This eight-hour U.S. Coast Guard- (USCG-) approved first aid course (MITAGS-197) provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate life-saving first aid until the arrival of more experienced first–aiders.
This module is one of the four elements (first aid CPR, fire-fighting, personal survival, personal and social responsibility) necessary for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) 2010 Basic Training (BT). All mariners with safety or emergency duties sailing on vessels 200 GRT tons or greater on near coastal or ocean voyages must complete BT.
To schedule this one module, please contact our admissions team for the specific date of this module during one of our scheduled BT course sessions.
This STCW first aid course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) training requirements:
- Section A-VI/1, and Table A-VI/1-3 - BST Elementary First Aid
- 46 CFR 11.302(a)(3) and 46 CFR 12.602(a)(3) - Elementary First Aid
- 46 CFR 11.201(i)(1) - First Aid and CPR
- NVIC 08-14 Tasks: 4.1.A, 4.1.B, 4.1.C, 4.1.D, 4.1.E, 4.2.A, 4.3.A, 4.3.B, 4.4.A, 4.4.B, 4.4.C, 4.4.D, 4.4.E, 4.4.F, 4.4.G, 4.4.H, 4.4.I, 4.5.A, 4.6.A, 4.6.B, 4.7.A, 4.7.B, 4.7.C, 4.8.A, 4.8.B, 4.8.C, 4.8.D, and 4.9.A
- NVIC 12-14 Task 19.3.A
This course can be taught at company locations or combined with other courses.
Prerequisites- None.
Suggested Courses/Skills- See NVIC 08-14.
- Course Format1 Days
- Length1 Days
- Training MethodLecture, Role Play, and Practical Demonstration
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Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
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This course (MITAGS-359) is designed to train all seafarers in complying with emergency procedures, preventing pollution of the marine environment, observing safe work practices, fostering clear and effective communications aboard the ship, and maintaining good working relationships. This course is also part of the Basic Safety Training course. This module is one of the four elements (first aid and CPR, fire-fighting, personal survival, personal and social responsibility) necessary for STCW 2010 Basic Training (BT). BT is required for all mariners with safety or emergency duties sailing on vessels 200 GRT tons or greater on near coastal or ocean voyages.
To schedule this one module, please contact our admissions team for the specific date of this module during one of our scheduled BT course sessions.
This course satisfies the following STCW 2010 and CFR training requirements:
- Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code, as amended 2010
- 46 CFR 11.302(a)(4) and 12.602(a)(4)
- The following Tasks from NVIC 08-14: 5.1.A, 5.2.A, 5.2.B, 5.3.A, 5.3.B, 5.4.A, 5.5.A, 5.6.A, 5.6.B, 5.6.C, 6.1.A, 6.2.A, 6.2.B, 7.1.A, 7.1.B, 7.2.A, 7.2.B, 7.3.A, 7.4.A, 7.5.A, 7.5.B, 8.1.A, 8.1.B, 8.2.A, 8.3.A, 8.3.B, and 9.1.A;
- The following Task from NVIC 12-14: 19.4.A
- Length1 Days
- Training MethodLecture/Practical
- SimulationNone