STCW Courses
Unlock your maritime potential with our comprehensive STCW Courses courses! Our flexible renewal options makes it easy to keep you license up-to-date so you can stay out on the water. Take the next step in your maritime career with Sea School and open up your future on the high seas.
All STCW Courses
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What you will learn
By taking Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) courses, mariners equip themselves with fundamental survival and safety skills to keep themselves and one another safe in various emergency situations. STCW Basic Training covers four key elements of international maritime safety including: You can also find more specific STCW courses on the Sea School’s courses page.
You can also find more specific STCW courses on the Sea School’s courses page.
Why is it important to take STCW Courses?
STCW Endorsements are typically required for mariners looking to work on international waters or in specific roles. More generally, it is important for mariners to take STCW courses to help create a more competent and safe maritime workforce and environment.
It’s required for licensing
Completing an approved course is a key step toward getting your STCW License.
It builds real-world safety skills
Learn how to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the water.
It prepares you for professional success
Gain the confidence and knowledge needed to pass your exam and operate responsibly.
All the answers you’ll need before enrolling in the STCW License course
It’s important to understand what the course involves, what’s required, and what you can expect after completion. From age and sea time requirements to testing options, paperwork, and career paths - this section covers everything you need to know to feel confident about enrolling.
STCW stands for the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The standards are set by the International Convention on STCW. Many of the standards have been incorporated into the United States Regulation and Policy for certain personnel.
- Vessels over 500 GRT - STCW required
- Vessels 200-500 GRT - may require STCW, especially for international voyages
- Vessels under 200 GRT - generally exempt UNLESS operating internationally
- International Voyages - STCW required for all crew on commercial vessels
- Domestic Waters - U.S. vessels may follow 46 CFR regulations instead, but STCW is strongly encouraged
STCW certificates are valid for 5 years and must be renewed when your MMC expires.
As with many requirements and certifications in the maritime industry, the renewal process for the STCW certification depends primarily on sea time.
Revalidation:
- If a mariner has completed an STCW Basic Training course in the past but does NOT have 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years, they must take a Basic Training Refresher Course OR valid Basic Training Course for all 4 elements.
Refresher:
- If a mariner has completed an STCW Basic Training course in the past and HAS 360 days of sea time in the last 5 years, they can take a shortened version of the Basic Training Course.
The STCW Convention establishes minimum international standards of training and certification in the maritime industry to educate and protect mariners and the marine environment.
Your Journey Begins Here – Get Certified & Get on the Water!
Helping thousands of mariners every year, Sea School is a leader in the maritime education space. Whether you are new to the industry or looking to add onto your Merchant Mariner Credential, find the courses right for you at Sea School.
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