STCW Basic Safety Training Week

About this course

STCW 2010 requires all seafarers to receive basic safety training or instruction in accordance with section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code. The minimum requirements for familiarisation and basic safety training are contained within the Basic Safety Training Week (BSTW). 

The components of BSTW are also a requirement for holders of a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore or Ocean looking to work towards the MCA STCW Master Yacht 200GT (OOW 500GT). The training requirements also include masters and deck officers on workboats of over 24m and less than 500GT. 

Basic Safety Training Week is made up of four courses which meet the minimum STCW 2010 familiarisation and basic safety training requirements. They can be booked either as this single programme of training over one week or booked individually. 

Although it is not a mandatory part of the basic safety training programme, we have included the Proficiency in Security Awareness course during this week at no extra cost for those who book the BSTW as a single programme.

Guidance for delegates who are or may be pregnant:

For safety reasons, we are unable to accept bookings for this course for anyone who is or thinks they may be, pregnant. This applies at any stage of the pregnancy.

What you'll learn

Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities 
A classroom-based course covering basic induction training in safety procedures and accident prevention, it also familiarises novices with the employment conditions and working environment on board. 

From 1 December 2025, this course will additionally cover study and class exercise material which meet the requirements of STCW code A-VI/A-4 amendments, adopted by MSC.560 (180), as required from 1 January 2026:

"Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault"

Please Note: Existing holders of Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities certification are not required to update this, but anyone undertaking the course from the above date will have the additional module included.

Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting 
Outlines precautions for minimising the risk of fire, the causes of fires and how to extinguish them. Also includes practical training using fire fighting equipment and breathing apparatus to extinguish various types and sizes of fires. 

Personal Survival Techniques 
Teaches the actions to be taken by individuals to protect themselves in emergency situations and includes practical training using life jackets and inflatable life rafts. 

Elementary First Aid 
A combination of theory and practical training for basic first aid and life-saving skills. 

Proficiency in Security Awareness 
Providing knowledge, understanding and proficiency to personnel intending to work on ships who will not have any designated security duties.