Entry ticket
Governing: STCW reg VI/1 and Code Tables A-VI/1-1 to A-VI/1-4; MCA MIN 643 (M+F). Builds on: L1.1.
What basic training is
Every seafarer, including every yacht deckhand, stew, chef and engineer, needs STCW basic training before taking up shipboard duties. It has four parts:
| Element | STCW Code table | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques (PST) | A-VI/1-1 | Pool drills, lifejackets, liferafts |
| Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) | A-VI/1-2 | Extinguishers, BA awareness, live fire |
| Elementary First Aid (EFA) | A-VI/1-3 | CPR, bleeding, burns |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) | A-VI/1-4 | Safe working, communication, harassment |
The content is taught in Basic Safety. This lesson is about where you take it and how far the paper travels.
Doing it in South Africa
Several SAMSA-accredited schools in Cape Town and Durban run the full package over about a week. Two points about the paper you receive:
- The school issues a Certificate of Completion. According to a training provider quoting SAMSA's quality system document, since 1 September 2016 institutions may not title their certificates "Certificate of Competency" or "Certificate of Proficiency"; those titles belong to SAMSA.
- SAMSA can verify the certificate. If an agent or a foreign administration queries it, SAMSA's verification is your answer.
WARNING - Cheap is expensive A certificate from a school that is not accredited for that course is worthless the first time anyone checks it. Confirm accreditation for the specific course, not just the school.
Will the MCA accept it?
The MCA's position is in MIN 643 (M+F) Short Courses. For a first UK Certificate of Competency it accepts the four basic training certificates from any administration on the IMO STCW White List. South Africa is a party to STCW, so SA basic training issued through the SAMSA system is in scope, subject to the MCA's right to ask for further proof.
The same notice is less generous with the next tier. For a first UK CoC, survival craft (PSC&RB), Advanced Fire Fighting and medical courses are accepted only when issued under the authority of the MCA or an EU/EEA administration. For revalidation the MCA accepts PST and FPFF refreshers from White List parties, and PSC&RB and AFF refreshers from countries accepted for an FSE.
| Course | For a first UK CoC (MIN 643) |
|---|---|
| PST, FPFF, EFA, PSSR | Any White List administration |
| PSC&RB, AFF, medical first aid/care | MCA or EU/EEA only |
CAUTION - Notice about to expire The December 2022 edition of MIN 643 carries an expiry date of 30 September 2026. Check for its replacement before you rely on this table.
Other flags
Many yachts are on Cayman, Marshall Islands or Malta registers. Those administrations generally accept STCW basic training from White List parties for ratings, but each has its own rules, and the yacht's management company may prefer UK or EU-issued certificates. When a crew agent asks for "STCW", they mean basic training in date, from a recognisable issuer.
Keeping it valid
PST and FPFF need refresher training to stay valid for seagoing service; EFA and PSSR do not. The detail is in STCW refresher and Keeping Your CoC Valid. Plan your refresher where you will be when it falls due, which for most SA crew means Europe or Florida, not home.
TIP - Buy the extras once you know your department Deck crew add a powerboat ticket; interior crew add food hygiene. Wait until you know which department before spending on the next tier.