The international safety framework for professional seafarers
If you’ve recently achieved an RYA Certificate of Competence (such as RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster Offshore or RYA Yachtmaster Ocean) and are considering working professionally at sea, the next step you’ll hear about is STCW 95/2010.
STCW is not a single course, but an international safety standard that defines the minimum training required for professional seafarers serving on commercial vessels worldwide.
Understanding STCW is essential before moving into paid roles on yachts or ships.
What Is STCW 95/2010?
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Originally adopted in 1978 and significantly revised in 1995 and 2010 (Manila Amendments), it sets global minimum standards for:
- Safety training
- Emergency response
- Medical competence
- Survival and firefighting
- Professional conduct at sea
STCW compliance ensures that crew members from different countries share a common baseline of safety knowledge and competence.
For professional yacht crew, STCW training is typically mandatory.
Why STCW Matters After Yachtmaster
An RYA Certificate of Competence proves your ability to skipper or command a vessel.
STCW certification proves you are trained to operate safely as part of a professional crew.
Together, they form the foundation of most professional sailing careers.
Charter companies, yacht managers, flag states and insurers often require STCW certification before allowing crew to:
- Work on commercially operated yachts
- Join professional delivery crews
- Serve as paid deck crew or officers
- Apply for commercial endorsements
Without STCW, many professional opportunities remain closed.
The Core STCW Courses (Basic Safety Training)
The standard STCW Basic Safety Training package consists of four or sometimes five elements. These are often delivered together but are certificated separately.
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Covers survival at sea in the event of abandonment, including liferafts, lifejackets, emergency procedures and personal safety.
- Fire Prevention and Firefighting (FPFF)
Focuses on fire risks on board, fire prevention, firefighting equipment, and practical fire response techniques.
- Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Provides essential first aid skills for treating injuries and illness at sea until professional help is available.
- Proficiency in Security Awareness (PSA)
Introduces maritime security responsibilities, threat awareness and correct responses to security incidents.
- Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD)
Required for crew with specific onboard security responsibilities, covering access control, monitoring and emergency procedures.
Together, these courses are commonly referred to as STCW Basic Safety.
STCW Medical Courses (Beyond Basic Safety)
As sailors progress professionally, additional STCW medical training may be required:
- Proficiency in Medical First Aid on Board Ship (A-VI/4-1)
For crew who may be responsible for medical first aid beyond the basics.
- Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship (A-VI/4-2)
For senior officers who may take full responsibility for medical care at sea.
These are separate from Basic Safety and required depending on role and vessel type.
Second Star Sailing does offer these advanced medical courses here.
STCW Validity and Refresher Requirements
Most STCW certificates are valid for 5 years.
To remain compliant, seafarers must complete refresher training before expiry. This ensures skills remain current and aligned with evolving best practice.
STCW Updates – What Changes in 2026?
From 2026, the IMO is introducing updates to STCW training standards, reflecting modern risks and operational realities. Key themes include:
- Greater emphasis on human factors and decision-making
- Updated firefighting and survival procedures
- Improved focus on mental wellbeing, fatigue and situational awareness
- More realistic, scenario-based training
- Increased scrutiny of refresher compliance and record keeping
While the core structure of STCW remains unchanged, expectations around competence, assessment and documentation are becoming more rigorous.
For sailors entering the professional pathway now, completing STCW training to the current standard ensures smoother compliance in future renewals.
How STCW Fits into the Professional Sailing Pathway
If you’ve recently achieved an RYA Certificate of Competence and are considering professional sailing:
- Review which STCW elements are required for your intended role
- Check whether your future employer or flag state specifies particular courses
- Plan STCW training early to avoid delaying job opportunities
- Keep careful records of certificates and expiry dates
Understanding STCW early helps you progress smoothly and professionally, without unnecessary delays.
For most sailors, the progression looks like this:
- RYA Certificate of Competence (e.g. RYA Yachtmaster Coastal / RYA Yachtmaster Offshore)
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Commercial endorsement (where applicable)
- Additional STCW or specialist courses depending on role
- Ongoing refresher training every 5 years
STCW does not replace Yachtmaster — it complements it, forming the safety backbone of professional maritime work.
