STCW refresher training: which courses expire
Which of your STCW safety courses run out after 5 years, which never do, and how to refresh them with less time ashore.
Five courses expire after 5 years
Under MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1 these STCW courses have to be updated every 5 years:
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
- Fast Rescue Boats
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF)
Four do not expire
Elementary First Aid, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Proficiency in Security Awareness and Medical First Aid stay valid.
Part of the refresher can be done on board
With a self declaration form for the onboard part, the shore course gets shorter: 4 hours instead of a full PST course, 3 hours instead of 7 for survival craft, and 4 instead of 7 for advanced fire fighting. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting is always a 7 hour shore course.
Medical Care
The person in charge of medical care on a UK ship needs a Medical Care certificate, or an updated one, issued within the last 5 years. Once the full course is done, the shorter update course is enough each time after.
The ENG1
The ENG1 medical certificate is valid for 2 years, and for 1 year under the age of 18.
Why it matters for your certificate
Revalidating a certificate of competency needs refresher training within the last 5 years for the safety courses it was issued on. See how revalidation works.
This guide summarises the MCA notices linked above and is no substitute for them. Requirements change; check the current notice or ask the MCA before you apply.