Updating training
Governing: MSN 1861 (M) Amendment 1, s.2.2(d); MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, s.4.4-4.5 and Annex A. Cross-refer: STCW refresher, PSCRB, AFF.
The requirement
MSN 1861 Amendment 1 section 2.2(d): to revalidate you must prove completion of MCA-approved or accepted refresher training within the last 5 years for:
- Personal Survival Techniques (Table A-VI/1-1);
- Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Table A-VI/1-2);
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (Table A-VI/2-1);
- Advanced Fire Fighting (Table A-VI/3).
MSN 1865 Amendment 1 (published 19 December 2022, replacing MSN 1865 from 10 January 2023) states more broadly that PST, PSCRB, Fast Rescue Boats, FPFF and AFF must be updated every 5 years if you are serving on board and qualified in them.
What does not need refreshing
| Course | Refresher? |
|---|---|
| Elementary First Aid | No mandatory updating |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities | No mandatory updating |
| Medical First Aid | Not required under the STCW Code; not needed for revalidation |
| Medical Care | Masters/those in charge of medical care: certificate or update within 5 years where required (MSN 1858 A2 s.6.12) |
The onboard shortcut
STCW lets some updating be done on board. You complete a self-declaration form (MSN 1865 Annexes B-E) confirming the onboard training and experience you have had in the last 5 years, then attend a shorter shore course.
| Course | Self-declaration completed? | Shore course |
|---|---|---|
| PST (Annex B) | Yes | 4 hours |
| No | Full PST course | |
| PSCRB (Annex C) | Yes | 3 hours |
| No | 7 hours | |
| Fast Rescue Boat (Annex D) | Yes / No | 4 / 7 hours |
| FPFF | Not applicable | 7 hours |
| AFF (Annex E) | Yes / No | 4 / 7 hours |
Two linking rules in Annex A:
- updating PSCRB requires updating PST as well;
- updating AFF requires updating FPFF as well.
CAUTION — The form is not the course The self-declaration only shortens the shore element. You still need an MCA-approved refresher course certificate. If you have not done all the onboard elements listed, you do the longer course.
Yacht officers and the restricted PSCRB
MSN 1858 Amendment 2 allows yacht officers to hold a restricted PSCRB (not for ships with davit-launched lifeboats). It must be updated every 5 years in the same way as the full course. The restriction stays on your CoC.
Keeping them in step
The practical approach is to do all four refreshers in one block, ideally within the 6 months before your CoC revalidation window opens. That way the certificates are fresh at revalidation and valid for most of the next five years.
TIP — Port State Control MSN 1858 Amendment 2 reminds officers to carry evidence of in-date updating training on board for Port State Control. An expired FPFF refresher can be found in an inspection long before you apply to revalidate.
WARNING — Don't let PST lapse Without in-date PST and FPFF you are not properly qualified for safety duties under STCW, whatever your CoC says.