Posted by Have you ever contemplated how the maritime industry plays a vital role? It should be pointed out that numerous ships are navigating back and forth in all the global trade as well as transportation that takes place through the seas. Countless seafarers are working hard and vigorously. However, this work isn’t as easy as it might sound. Seas or oceans are full of surprising adventures, but they can be haunting as well. Hence, to ensure the safety of these hardworking seafarers, basic safety training is required before they jump into a career where seas or oceans are involved. This is where the importance of STWC, which is the short form of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, comes into the picture. In this blog, we will dive deep into how the STCW course is an indispensable part of every seafarer.
What exactly is STCW course
It has a history that can be traced back to 1978. It is said that it was adopted by the International Maritime Organization. They have made the STCW course a vital component. It is a training that is comprehensive in manner and allows the seafarers to earn all the skills and knowledge required in the hard times while navigating across the oceans or seas and becoming eligible. As discussed above, being a seafarer isn’t enough and requires a lot of courage as well as certification to qualify. This course allows the seafarers to do their job effectively as well as safely. The main objective of this course is to equip seafarers with all the possible knowledge required at sea. It includes ensuring the safety of personnel on board, navigational skills, firefighting procedures, medical support, and effective communication skills. In brief, its main focus is on protecting people at sea, keeping the ocean clean, and maintaining efficient operations.
Summing up, we can say that STCW has global significance in ensuring maritime safety. Overall, it promotes the safety and security of seafarers through certification and training.
Who needs the certification
You might be wondering who needs this course and why the certification is crucial. Well, your answer to this question is pretty easy. Generally, this certification is for those who are aspiring to start a career at sea. You must note the fact that the STCW course is for those who want to work on commercial vessels over 24 meters in length. Further, to be eligible for the certification, it is only done once you complete your training. Also, the type of course or training heavily depends on the position you are aspiring for.
Now that we have discussed the STCW course comprehensively, Let us have a deeper look at how STCW is a comprehensive course that covers a wide range of topics needed for a seafarer to gain better, more effective, and more comprehensive knowledge.
- PST: Personal Survival Techniques
Seafarers learn their own safety responsibilities and those of their fellow crew members, as well as how to respond to emergencies and distress. There are so many reasons for this. First and foremost, a life-threatening situation amidst the sea or an ocean can happen out of nowhere. It could be either a trivial or serious situation. When a trainee undergoes this course, it helps them to equip themselves with the skills required when needed during ship abandonment. The trainee will learn how to deal with these emergencies. It includes many things, like dealing with ships abandoning and surviving on the survival craft specifically created for them.
- FPFF: Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Fire could be the reason for the worst situation, and it isn’t easy to escape the flames once caught. Hence, this course provides the seafarers with knowledge regarding how to effectively deal with fire and escape it for long-term survival. This may include using the fire escape equipment and how to use it properly.
- STSDSD: Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties
In maritime security, it plays a crucial role. It should be noted that this course is designed to provide those performing specified safety functions on board ships with essential education and training that meets regulatory knowledge, understanding, and competency requirements in the STCW Code and supports Chapter XI-2 of the Annex to the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) 1974 and the ISPS Code.
- RPST: Refresher Course for Personal Survival Techniques
This course allows all seafarers the opportunity to refresh their firefighting skills, especially those of those wishing to update their firefighting training certification, fire prevention and fighting, education, and training necessary to maintain them.
Apart from the topics we discussed, there are numerous courses provided in the STCW course. They are not limite, but they offer every knowledge and skill and make you eligible or qualifiable. Thus, to receive the certification, you must complete the training approved by the issuing administration or complete a period of approved seagoing service.
Advantages of the STCW course
Without a doubt, when you complete your rigorous training, upon completion, a certificate is issue in your name, and you are qualified for the position to which you have aspired. Further, the STCW course offers numerous benefits, like equipping you with safety measures so that you do not have to worry too much about safety. Once you know how to deal with the situation, it provides confidence when you have to deal with such dangerous situations in real life. Moreover, STCW course certification is recognize globally as well. It offers various job opportunities in the maritime industry.
Validity for STCW Certification and Amendments
The STCW certification is valid for a period of five years from the date of completion of the course. This is to make sure that seafarers are update with the latest techniques involve in safety measures. Also, the STCW course undergoes various amendments to ensure safety. Hence, seafarers must try to be update on the periodic changes.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, we can say that the STCW course is important and crucial for those wanting to start their career as seafarers. The job isn’t easy. However, with the basic stcw course, you can be eligible for your dreams! The course helps you gain knowledge as well as provides the best training required amidst the sea during hard times. Thus, be safe by taking this course.