STCW Course Duration in Mumbai 2025: Everything You Need to Know

The Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) course is a cornerstone of maritime education. Whether you’re aspiring to work on a ship or seeking to enhance your existing maritime skills, an STCW course is mandatory. If you’re looking to pursue the STCW course in Mumbai, you’ve come to the right place.

Mumbai, being a prominent hub for maritime training in India, offers several DG Shipping-approved institutes for STCW courses. In this blog, we’ll explore the STCW course duration in Mumbai, certification details, eligibility, and more.

What is STCW Course?

The STCW course is a globally recognized certification program designed to ensure safety, security, and efficiency in maritime operations. Established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), this course is essential for individuals working aboard ships.

In simple terms, the STCW course equips seafarers with critical survival skills, fire prevention techniques, first aid knowledge, and security training.

STCW Course Duration in Mumbai:

The duration of STCW courses varies depending on the specific module you enroll in. In Mumbai, reputable DG Shipping-approved institutes like Training Ship Varren offer these programs, ensuring compliance with international standards.

• Basic Safety Training (BST): Typically completed in 5-6 days.
• STSDSD (Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties): Around 1 day.
• RPST (Personal Survival Techniques): Conducted in 1-2 days.
• RFPFF (Refresher Course for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting): Takes about 1 day.

This modular structure allows flexibility while ensuring seafarers meet all required competencies.

STCW Courses List:

The STCW course modules include a variety of essential training programs, each designed to equip seafarers with the skills and knowledge necessary for a safe and efficient maritime career. Below is an in-depth explanation of the most common STCW courses offered in Mumbai.

For more details, explore the full course offerings at Training Ship Varren.

1) Basic Safety Training (BST)

 

The Basic Safety Training (BST) course is the foundation of all STCW certifications. It is designed to prepare seafarers to handle emergencies effectively and ensure safety on board.

• What It Covers: BST includes four core modules: Personal Survival Techniques (PST), Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF), Elementary First Aid (EFA), and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR).
• Why It’s Important: This course ensures that all maritime professionals can protect themselves and others during crises like fires, ship abandonment, or medical emergencies.

In Mumbai, institutes like Training Ship Varren provide DG Shipping-approved BST courses with a duration of about 5-6 days.

2) STSDSD – Security Training for Seafarers with Designated Security Duties

The STSDSD course is mandatory for seafarers assigned specific security roles on board ships. This training prepares participants to prevent and respond to potential security threats, including piracy and terrorism.

• Key Topics: Risk assessment, ship security protocols, anti-piracy measures, and crisis management.
• Why It’s Valuable: It ensures that seafarers with designated security duties can effectively safeguard the vessel, crew, and cargo from harm.

The STSDSD course is typically completed in a single day, making it a quick yet critical module for maritime professionals. Enroll in Mumbai’s leading training centers like Training Ship Varren to get started. 

3) RPST – Personal Survival Techniques

The Personal Survival Techniques (RPST) course focuses on equipping seafarers with the knowledge and skills required to survive in the event of ship abandonment.

• What’s Included: Participants learn to use life rafts, life jackets, and other survival equipment. Practical sessions include water entry techniques, swimming, and surviving adverse conditions at sea.
• Why It’s Crucial: This training ensures that all crew members can stay safe until rescue teams arrive, significantly increasing survival chances.

The RPST module can be completed within 1-2 days and is available at DG-approved institutes like Training Ship Varren.

4) RFPFF – Refresher Course for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

The Refresher Course for Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (RFPFF) is designed for professionals renewing their STCW certificates. It sharpens their fire safety skills to manage onboard fire emergencies effectively.

• Core Skills Covered: Fire prevention techniques, use of firefighting equipment, evacuation procedures, and practical fire drills.
• Who Should Take It: This course is mandatory for those whose STCW certifications are about to expire, ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations.

The RFPFF course is a one-day module offered at top institutes like Training Ship Varren, ensuring seafarers remain prepared for fire-related emergencies.

Each module covers specific aspects critical to maritime safety, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for real-world scenarios.

STCW 5 Course Names:

1) Personal Survival Techniques (PST):

Personal Survival Techniques (PST) is a critical module that trains seafarers on survival strategies in case of ship abandonment.

• What It Covers:
  1) Proper use of life-saving appliances such as life jackets and life rafts.
  2) Techniques for surviving in the water, including flotation, swimming, and group survival tactics.
  3) Practical skills to ensure safety during emergencies like ship evacuations.

• Why It’s Important:
  1) PST ensures that seafarers can remain calm and act effectively in life-threatening situations, significantly increasing their chances of survival.

For PST training in Mumbai, enroll at Training Ship Varren, a DG-approved institute.

2) Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF):

The Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) module equips participants with the skills to identify fire hazards, prevent fires, and tackle onboard fire emergencies.

• What It Covers:

  • Causes of fires on ships and preventive measures.

  • Safe use of firefighting equipment like extinguishers, hoses, and breathing apparatus.

  • Hands-on firefighting drills to simulate real-life scenarios.

• Why It’s Important:
  Fires onboard ships can escalate quickly. FPFF training ensures that all crew members can respond effectively to minimize damage and ensure safety.

Learn FPFF from experts at Training Ship Varren to enhance your firefighting skills. 

3) Elementary First Aid (EFA)

Elementary First Aid (EFA) focuses on providing the necessary medical knowledge and skills to handle injuries and medical emergencies at sea.

• What It Covers:
  • Basics of first aid, including CPR, bandaging, and managing fractures.
    
  • Recognizing symptoms of common medical conditions like heat stroke or hypothermia.
  • Techniques to stabilize injured crew members until professional medical help arrives.
• Why It’s Important:
  Seafarers often work in isolated conditions where immediate medical care isn’t accessible. EFA training empowers them to provide timely assistance in emergencies.

Get DG-approved EFA certification at Training Ship Varren in Mumbai.

4) Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)

The Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) module educates seafarers on maintaining safety standards and fostering a cooperative environment on board.

• What It Covers:
  • Understanding shipboard safety protocols.
  • Communicating effectively with crew members.
  • Following workplace ethics and adapting to life at sea.
• Why It’s Important:
  This training emphasizes teamwork, awareness, and adherence to safety norms, ensuring a harmonious and secure working environment.

5) Security Awareness Training (SAT)

Security Awareness Training (SAT) prepares seafarers to recognize and respond to potential security threats, including piracy and terrorism.

• What It Covers:
  • Identifying security risks and suspicious activities.
  • Basic anti-piracy measures and preventive strategies.
  • Procedures to follow during security breaches or emergencies.
• Why It’s Important:
  Security awareness is vital for protecting the ship, crew, and cargo. SAT ensures that all seafarers can contribute to maintaining a secure onboard environment.

For SAT courses in Mumbai, visit Training Ship Varren.

The five STCW modules—PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR, and SAT—are indispensable for any maritime professional. These courses collectively prepare seafarers for emergencies, promote safety, and enhance security at sea.

Who Needs STCW?

STCW certification is mandatory for anyone aspiring to work onboard a ship, including:

• Deck officers
• Engineers
• Ratings
• Hospitality staff on cruise ships

Is STCW Mandatory for Cruise?

Yes, STCW certification is a prerequisite for working on cruise ships. It ensures the safety and preparedness of crew members during emergencies.

What is the Dress Code for STCW Course?

Participants are generally required to wear comfortable and practical attire, such as overalls and safety boots, especially for fire-fighting and survival training modules.

Conclusion

The STCW course duration in Mumbai varies depending on the specific module but generally ranges from 1 to 6 days. Completing this training is not just a legal requirement but a vital step in ensuring safety and efficiency at sea. By enrolling in a DG Shipping-approved institute like Training Ship Varren, you’ll receive world-class training and internationally recognized certification.

Embark on your maritime journey today with the right training and skills to sail confidently into your future!