Question 1

What is STCW Basic Training?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Training is the mandatory certification required for all seafarers working on commercial vessels. It covers four core modules: Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), Elementary First Aid (EFA), and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR). The training is required under the IMO STCW Convention and must be renewed every five years.

Question 2

Can I take STCW courses online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maritime Expert Solutions offers fully online STCW courses that are IMO-compliant and accepted worldwide. Our online STCW Basic Training covers all four mandatory modules with interactive lessons, knowledge-check quizzes, and a certificate of completion. You can complete the training at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.

Question 3

How long is STCW Basic Training valid for?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Training certification is valid for five years. After five years, seafarers must complete STCW refresher courses to maintain their certification. Maritime Expert Solutions offers STCW refresher courses for all four modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, and PSSR) as well as a complete STCW Basic Training Refresher bundle.

Question 4

What are maritime safety courses?

Accepted Answer

Maritime safety courses are training programs designed to teach seafarers the skills needed to prevent accidents, respond to emergencies, and protect lives at sea. They include STCW Basic Training, fire prevention and fire fighting, personal survival techniques, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities, and a wide range of specialized safety courses such as enclosed space entry, crisis management, and bridge resource management.

Question 5

Are online maritime safety courses accepted by employers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Maritime Expert Solutions' online maritime safety courses are IMO-compliant and aligned with STCW standards. Our courses include interactive lessons, knowledge-check quizzes, and certificates of completion that are recognized by maritime employers worldwide. The certification meets the requirements of port state control authorities.

Question 6

How much does STCW Basic Training cost?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Training with Maritime Expert Solutions costs $225 for the complete four-module course. Individual STCW refresher courses are also available starting at $65 per module, and a complete STCW Basic Training Refresher bundle is offered at a discounted rate. All courses include interactive lessons, audio lectures, gamification, and a certificate of completion.

Question 7

How long does it take to complete STCW Basic Training online?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Training with Maritime Expert Solutions is designed to be completed in approximately 24 hours of study time. The course is self-paced, so you can spread the training over days or weeks. Each of the four modules (PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR) takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete, including readings, audio lectures, interactive demonstrations, and knowledge-check quizzes.

Question 8

What is the difference between STCW Basic Training and STCW refresher courses?

Accepted Answer

STCW Basic Training is the initial certification required for all seafarers, covering four mandatory modules. STCW refresher courses are required every five years to maintain proficiency and renew the certification. Refresher courses are shorter and focus on updating knowledge and skills. Both are available online through Maritime Expert Solutions.

Maritime Resources

Latest Maritime News

Top maritime news stories for week ended 6 September

USCG highlights systemic port vulnerabilities following Dali bridge strike

SMM 2026 kicks off: Maritime industry charts a new course

Hydrogen-hybrid retrofit cuts fuel and emissions by over 20%

Sea trials begin for hybrid wind and solar power system on containership

Red Sea Coastal Battles Intensify Raising New Concerns for Shipping

Damen Shipyards Group highlights maritime energy transition at World Port Days

Car Carrier to Get Two Wing Sails in First Commercial Application

Fire Breaks Out on Soviet-Era Icebreaker Undergoing Repairs

Panama Canal Pushes Back Planned Draft Cut for Big Ships

MarAd Inks Pact to Move on Maritime Nuclear Power

Decrepit Port Infrastructure has Vessels Stacked Off Venezuela

Seaman Killed by Mooring Lines

USCG Highlights Systemic Port Vulnerabilities Following Dali Bridge Strike

SMM 2026 Kicks Off: Maritime Industry Charts a New Course

Curated Maritime Resources

Regulatory Bodies

IMO – International Maritime Organization

USCG – United States Coast Guard

EMSA – European Maritime Safety Agency

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (UK)

Paris MOU – Port State Control

Tokyo MOU – Port State Control

Training & Education

MITAGS – Maritime Institute

WMU – World Maritime University

SUNY Maritime College

IMLI – IMO International Maritime Law Institute

News & Media

gCaptain

TradeWinds

Splash 247

Maritime Executive

Lloyd's List

The Maritime Review

Safety & Equipment

SOLAS Convention Guide

Survitec – Marine Safety Equipment

Marine Safety Forum

IMCA – International Marine Contractors Association

Industry Organizations

ICS – International Chamber of Shipping

BIMCO

INTERTANKO

IACS – International Association of Classification Societies

IMO MSC – Maritime Safety Committee

Nautilus International