STCW Certification Requirements: Complete Guide for Seafarers 2025
Comprehensive guide to STCW certification requirements, training courses, renewal procedures, and career progression for deck and engine officers. Updated for STCW 2010 Manila Amendments.
What is STCW Certification?
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) is an international convention that sets minimum qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch personnel on seagoing merchant ships.
Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1978 and significantly amended in 1995 and 2010, STCW ensures that seafarers worldwide meet consistent standards of competence.
Why STCW Certification Matters
STCW certification is mandatory for all seafarers working on international vessels. Without proper STCW certificates, you cannot:
- Work on commercial vessels
- Serve as a watchkeeping officer
- Progress in your maritime career
- Obtain higher ranks and positions
Key Benefits:
- International recognition
- Career mobility across countries
- Higher salary potential
- Legal compliance for ship operations
- Enhanced safety standards
STCW Certification Hierarchy
Basic STCW Certificates (Mandatory for All Seafarers)
Every seafarer must complete these basic training courses:
1. Basic Safety Training (BST)
Duration: 5-7 days
Modules:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) - Lifeboat, life raft operations
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) - Fire safety and extinguishing
- Elementary First Aid (EFA) - Basic medical emergency response
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) - Shipboard safety awareness
Cost: $300-$600 USD Validity: Lifetime (no renewal required)
2. Security Awareness Training (SAT)
Duration: 1 day
Content:
- ISPS Code awareness
- Security threats and measures
- Reporting procedures
Cost: $50-$150 USD Validity: Lifetime
3. Ship Security Officer (SSO) - For Officers Only
Duration: 3-5 days
Prerequisites: Security Awareness Training
Content:
- Ship Security Plan implementation
- Security assessments
- Drills and exercises
Cost: $200-$400 USD Validity: 5 years
Advanced STCW Certificates
1. Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
Duration: 3-5 days
Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting
Required for: Officers and crew with fire fighting responsibilities
Content:
- Fire fighting leadership
- Advanced fire fighting techniques
- Breathing apparatus operations
- Fire fighting strategies
Cost: $300-$500 USD Validity: 5 years
2. Medical First Aid (MFA) / Medical Care (MC)
Medical First Aid (MFA)
- Duration: 3 days
- Required for: All officers
- Cost: $200-$400 USD
- Validity: 5 years
Medical Care (MC)
- Duration: 5-7 days
- Required for: Masters and Chief Officers
- Cost: $400-$700 USD
- Validity: 5 years
3. Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
Duration: 5-7 days
Required for: Officers in charge of lifeboats
Content:
- Lifeboat launching and recovery
- Survival craft operations
- Rescue boat operations
- Emergency procedures
Cost: $400-$700 USD Validity: 5 years
Certificate of Competency (COC) Requirements
Deck Officer Progression
Officer of the Watch (OOW) - Deck
Minimum Requirements:
- Age: 18 years
- Sea service: 12 months (with approved training) or 36 months
- Approved training course
- Pass written and oral examinations
STCW Courses Required:
- Basic Safety Training
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Medical First Aid
- PSCRB
- ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aid)
- GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System)
- Bridge Resource Management (BRM)
Responsibilities:
- Navigational watch
- Cargo operations supervision
- Safety equipment maintenance
Chief Officer (Chief Mate)
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid OOW certificate
- Sea service: 12 months as OOW
- Approved training course
- Pass examinations
Additional Courses:
- Ship Security Officer (SSO)
- Medical Care
- Advanced training in cargo operations
Responsibilities:
- Cargo operations management
- Safety and security officer
- Maintenance planning
- Second-in-command
Master (Captain)
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid Chief Officer certificate
- Sea service: 18 months as Chief Officer
- Approved training course
- Pass examinations
Additional Courses:
- Leadership and Managerial Skills
- Advanced ship handling
- Maritime law and regulations
Responsibilities:
- Overall vessel command
- Crew management
- Commercial operations
- Legal compliance
Engine Officer Progression
Officer of the Watch (OOW) - Engine
Minimum Requirements:
- Age: 18 years
- Sea service: 12 months (with training) or 36 months
- Marine engineering training
- Pass examinations
STCW Courses Required:
- Basic Safety Training
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Medical First Aid
- Engine Resource Management (ERM)
Responsibilities:
- Engine room watchkeeping
- Machinery maintenance
- Fuel and lubrication management
Second Engineer
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid OOW Engine certificate
- Sea service: 12 months as OOW Engine
- Advanced training
- Pass examinations
Responsibilities:
- Maintenance planning
- Spare parts management
- Machinery overhauls
- Fuel efficiency optimization
Chief Engineer
Minimum Requirements:
- Valid Second Engineer certificate
- Sea service: 18 months as Second Engineer
- Advanced management training
- Pass examinations
Responsibilities:
- Engine department management
- Budget and procurement
- Major repairs and dry-docking
- Compliance and reporting
STCW 2010 Manila Amendments
The 2010 amendments introduced significant changes:
1. Enhanced Training Requirements
New Mandatory Courses:
- Leadership and Teamwork (LT) - For officers
- Leadership and Managerial Skills (LMS) - For senior officers
- Engine Resource Management (ERM) - For engine officers
- Bridge Resource Management (BRM) - For deck officers
2. Rest Hour Requirements
Minimum Rest Hours:
- 10 hours in any 24-hour period
- 77 hours in any 7-day period
- Rest hours may be divided into no more than two periods
Documentation:
- Mandatory rest hour records
- Regular audits and inspections
3. Anti-Piracy Training
High-Risk Area Operations:
- Ship Security Awareness
- Anti-piracy measures
- Citadel procedures
- Communication protocols
4. Enhanced Medical Standards
Medical Fitness:
- Regular medical examinations
- Vision and hearing tests
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Mental health assessments
Certificate Renewal Procedures
Revalidation Requirements
All STCW certificates (except BST and SAT) must be renewed every 5 years.
Renewal Options:
Option 1: Sea Service + Refresher Course
- Minimum 12 months sea service in last 5 years
- Complete approved refresher course
- Submit renewal application
Option 2: Refresher Course Only
- If less than 12 months sea service
- Complete approved refresher course
- May require additional assessments
Refresher Courses Include:
- Advanced Fire Fighting refresher
- Medical First Aid/Care refresher
- PSCRB refresher
- Proficiency updates
Cost: $500-$1,200 USD for complete refresher package
Certificate of Competency (COC) Revalidation
Requirements:
- Minimum 12 months sea service in last 5 years
- Approved training (if required)
- Medical fitness certificate
- No major incidents or violations
Without Sea Service:
- Competency assessment
- Simulator training
- Supervised sea service period
Country-Specific Requirements
Philippines
Regulatory Body: Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)
Additional Requirements:
- Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) or approved maritime school
- MARINA-approved training centers
- National examinations
Popular Training Centers:
- PMMA Training Center
- NYK-TDG Maritime Academy
- Magsaysay Maritime Corporation
India
Regulatory Body: Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping)
Additional Requirements:
- Approved maritime institutes (IMU, AMET, etc.)
- DG Shipping examinations
- Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC)
Training Institutes:
- Indian Maritime University (IMU)
- AMET University
- Tolani Maritime Institute
United Kingdom
Regulatory Body: Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Additional Requirements:
- MCA-approved training
- UK Seafarer's Discharge Book
- Enhanced security clearance
United States
Regulatory Body: United States Coast Guard (USCG)
Additional Requirements:
- USCG-approved courses
- Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
- TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential)
Cost Breakdown for Complete STCW Certification
Entry-Level Deck Officer (OOW)
| Course | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Safety Training | 5-7 days | $300-$600 |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | 3-5 days | $300-$500 |
| Medical First Aid | 3 days | $200-$400 |
| PSCRB | 5-7 days | $400-$700 |
| ARPA | 5 days | $400-$600 |
| GMDSS | 5-7 days | $500-$800 |
| BRM | 3 days | $200-$400 |
| Security Awareness | 1 day | $50-$150 |
| Total | 30-40 days | $2,350-$4,150 |
Entry-Level Engine Officer (OOW)
| Course | Duration | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Safety Training | 5-7 days | $300-$600 |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | 3-5 days | $300-$500 |
| Medical First Aid | 3 days | $200-$400 |
| ERM | 3 days | $200-$400 |
| Security Awareness | 1 day | $50-$150 |
| Total | 15-20 days | $1,050-$2,050 |
Note: Costs vary by country and training center. Some countries offer subsidized training for nationals.
Career Timeline and Progression
Typical Deck Officer Career Path
Years 0-2: Deck Cadet
- Complete maritime academy (3-4 years)
- Obtain basic STCW certificates
- 12 months sea service
Years 2-4: Third Officer
- OOW certificate
- Watchkeeping duties
- Gain experience
Years 4-7: Second Officer
- Additional sea service
- Navigation specialization
- Cargo operations
Years 7-10: Chief Officer
- Chief Officer COC
- Management responsibilities
- Safety and security officer
Years 10+: Master
- Master COC
- Full command authority
- Commercial operations
Typical Engine Officer Career Path
Years 0-2: Engine Cadet
- Marine engineering degree
- Basic STCW certificates
- 12 months sea service
Years 2-4: Fourth Engineer
- OOW Engine certificate
- Engine room watchkeeping
- Maintenance duties
Years 4-7: Third Engineer
- Additional sea service
- Specialized systems
- Overhaul experience
Years 7-10: Second Engineer
- Second Engineer COC
- Maintenance planning
- Budget management
Years 10+: Chief Engineer
- Chief Engineer COC
- Department management
- Major projects
Tips for STCW Certification Success
1. Choose Accredited Training Centers
Verify:
- IMO White List recognition
- National maritime authority approval
- Industry reputation
- Modern facilities and equipment
2. Plan Your Training Schedule
Considerations:
- Course availability
- Budget constraints
- Sea service requirements
- Career goals
Tip: Complete all basic courses before joining your first ship.
3. Maintain Your Certificates
Best Practices:
- Keep digital and physical copies
- Track expiry dates
- Plan renewals 6 months in advance
- Maintain sea service records
4. Continuous Professional Development
Stay Updated:
- New regulations and amendments
- Industry best practices
- Technology advancements
- Specialized training opportunities
Common Questions About STCW
How long does it take to get all STCW certificates?
Answer: 4-6 weeks for basic and advanced certificates, plus 3-4 years for maritime academy and COC.
Can I work on ships without STCW?
Answer: No. STCW certification is mandatory for all seafarers on international commercial vessels.
Do STCW certificates expire?
Answer: Basic Safety Training and Security Awareness are lifetime. All other certificates expire after 5 years.
Can I transfer my STCW certificates between countries?
Answer: Yes, through Certificate of Recognition (COR) or endorsement procedures, subject to bilateral agreements.
What happens if my certificate expires?
Answer: You cannot work on ships. You must complete refresher training and revalidation procedures.
Conclusion
STCW certification is your passport to a global maritime career. Understanding the requirements, maintaining your certificates, and planning your career progression are essential for success.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with Basic Safety Training
- Plan your COC progression path
- Maintain valid certificates
- Invest in continuous training
- Stay updated with amendments
Ready to advance your maritime career? Explore our Maritime Career Guide for detailed information on ranks, salaries, and career paths.
About the Author: Hifshan Riesvicky is a maritime software engineer dedicated to helping seafarers navigate their careers through comprehensive guides and professional tools.