All certificates and training must comply with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
If you are revalidating your certificate and you are an overseas permanent resident, Fire prevention and fire fighting and Personal survival techniques STCW short courses may be completed in a country we have an agreement with.
If you are serving on an ECDIS equipped ship, you will need to hold an ECDIS endorsement.
With required sea service
If you already have the required sea service, you will need to:
- Obtain a letter(s) from your employer(s) confirming:
- sea service
- your participation in the mandatory abandon ship and fire drills required by SOLAS
- your participation in scheduled drills required by the on board Safety Management System (see sample template).
- Keep the original of this letter and send us a copy with your application.
- Complete continued competence training for the STCW short courses in Basic fire fighting and Personal survival techniques in the previous 5 years.
These continued competence training courses are valid for up to 5 years.
Note: An international STCW certificate of competency, certificate of proficiency or certificate of safety training only remains valid if you have, within the previous five years, completed a full course or continued competence training in sea survival and firefighting at the appropriate level. Failing to do this will mean your certificate will lapse and you will not be able to serve on a vessel. Similar continued competence training requirements apply for the Fast Rescue Boat endorsement. This is a STCW Convention requirement introduced by the 2010 Manilla amendments.
Note: Continued competence training is also known as refresher training by foreign flag state administrations.
Without required sea service
If you do not have the required sea service, you will need to complete the full STCW short courses in:
- Fire prevention and fire fighting (Basic fire fighting)
- Personal survival techniques.
You will also need to complete one of the following options:
- Complete an approved revalidation course for your certificate within 5 years before applying to revalidate your certificate.
- Complete an oral examination.
- Perform duties and functions that we consider at least equivalent to sea service.
Read more about approved training organisations and revalidating your current certificate.