Course Overview

This course is designed to provide seafarers with the essential safety knowledge and practical skills required to work onboard ships in accordance with STCW standards. The programme focuses on developing the fundamental competencies necessary to respond effectively to onboard emergencies and maintain a safe working environment at sea.

Participants will gain practical understanding of emergency response procedures, personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, personal safety responsibilities, and maritime security awareness. The course also emphasizes teamwork, safe working practices, and compliance with international maritime safety regulations.

Through practical exercises, demonstrations, and scenario-based learning, attendees will develop the confidence and operational readiness required to perform safely and responsibly onboard vessels operating in international waters.

Agenda

Day — 1 STCW Introduction, Maritime Safety Culture & Personal Survival Techniques

• Introduction to the STCW Convention and the importance of seafarer certification.
• Understanding the role of maritime authorities, flag states, and approved training providers.
• Exploring general shipboard safety culture, emergency signals, and muster procedures.
• Understanding different types of emergencies at sea and immediate response principles.
• Reviewing personal survival equipment including lifejackets, immersion suits, lifebuoys, and emergency aids.
• Understanding abandon ship procedures and survival techniques in water.
• Introduction to survival craft, liferafts, and rescue arrangements.

Expected Outcome: Participants will understand the STCW framework and demonstrate knowledge of basic emergency response and personal survival procedures onboard ships.

Day — 2 Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

• Understanding the causes of onboard fires and common fire risks in ship operations.
• Exploring the fire triangle, fire classes, and principles of fire spread.
• Applying fire prevention measures and safe working practices onboard vessels.
• Understanding fire detection systems, alarm systems, and emergency communication procedures.
• Reviewing the use of fire extinguishers, fire hoses, breathing apparatus, and firefighting equipment.
• Understanding basic firefighting procedures and emergency evacuation practices.
• Developing effective teamwork during onboard fire emergency situations.

Expected Outcome: Participants will be able to identify fire risks, select appropriate firefighting equipment, and follow basic firefighting and emergency response procedures onboard ships.

Day — 3 Elementary First Aid

• Understanding basic first aid principles and priorities during medical emergencies onboard.
• Assessing casualties and managing immediate risks safely and effectively.
• Developing awareness of CPR procedures and emergency medical response basics.
• Responding to bleeding, burns, fractures, shock, and unconscious casualties.
• Understanding the use of basic first aid equipment available onboard ships.
• Reporting medical incidents and communicating effectively with responsible officers.
• Participating in practical scenarios and instructor-led first aid demonstrations.

Expected Outcome: Participants will be able to provide initial first aid response and report medical incidents clearly, safely, and effectively onboard vessels.

Day — 4 Personal Safety and Social Responsibility

• Understanding safe working practices onboard ships and maritime workplaces.
• Identifying shipboard hazards, accident prevention measures, and risk awareness principles.
• Understanding emergency drills, muster station procedures, and crew responsibilities.
• Exploring pollution prevention practices and environmental awareness onboard vessels.
• Developing teamwork, cultural awareness, and positive human relationships onboard.
• Understanding the effects of fatigue, stress, communication challenges, and conflict prevention.
• Reviewing the rights, duties, and professional conduct expected of seafarers.

Expected Outcome: Participants will understand safe conduct onboard ships and recognize the importance of teamwork, communication, and responsible professional behaviour in maritime operations.

Day — 5 Security Awareness, Review and Assessment

• Introduction to maritime security principles and common security threats affecting ships and ports.
• Understanding ship security levels and basic onboard security responsibilities.
• Recognising suspicious behaviour and understanding reporting procedures for security concerns.
• Understanding access control measures, restricted areas, and visitor management onboard vessels.
• Reviewing all course modules and reinforcing key learning points from the training programme.
• Completing written and/or practical assessments in accordance with the approved training framework.
• Participating in course closure activities, feedback sessions, and certificate guidance.

Expected Outcome: Participants will be able to recognise basic maritime security risks, follow basic security procedures, and successfully complete the final course assessment.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand basic safety requirements and responsibilities onboard vessels.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations at sea.
• Apply personal survival techniques during abandon ship situations.
• Identify fire hazards and apply basic fire prevention and firefighting techniques.
• Provide elementary first aid response during onboard emergencies.
• Understand personal safety responsibilities, teamwork, communication, and social responsibilities onboard ships.
• Recognize maritime security threats and follow basic ship security procedures in accordance with STCW requirements.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for individuals beginning their maritime careers and personnel requiring basic STCW safety training, including:

• New Seafarers
• Deck Crew and Engine Crew
• Yacht Crew Members
• Offshore Personnel
• Maritime Students and Cadets