Welcome to the STCW Refresher Requirements FAQ section
In this section, we offer detailed responses to frequently asked questions about the altered STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) courses. According to the STCW 2010 modifications, all maritime personnel are obligated to update their safety training every five years to ensure not only compliance but also the preservation of essential, life-saving skills that were the primary reason for the training in the first place.
What exactly are the updated STCW requirements?
The STCW 2010 requires the STCW safety training courses to be refreshed every 5 years, this came into effect on 31st December 2016.
Does every position onboard have to re-sit their STCW, from stewardess to captain?
All crew, regardless of position, must revalidate the following courses every five years:
Depending on your position on board, you will also need to revalidate the following courses:
*1 This course was formerly called Advanced Sea Survival.
*2 This course only needs to be revalidated if you are the Master or the person in charge of medical care on UK-registered vessels.
Basic Refreshers
Advanced Refreshers
If you opt for the bundle (only available in Antibes) that includes both the basic and advanced refresher courses, it will take you three days to complete. Please contact our Antibes office for more information.
If you hold the advanced safety courses, do you still need to refresh the basic courses?
Yes, even if you hold the advanced safety courses, you will be required to refresh the basic courses. The relevant guidance Notice is MSN 1865.
Why is it no longer called the STCW95? Does this have anything to do with the changes?
The original STCW convention dates from 1978, but various changes have since been made. Rather than altering the date when changes are made, it is officially STCW 78, as amended.