Where this sits
Governing: MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, section 4.5 and Annexes B to E; MIN 643 (M+F), section 5.4; course criteria in the MNTB guides. Builds on: Module 1.
The hours
MSN 1865 section 4.5 sets the shore-based time for each refresher, depending on whether you have completed all the elements listed on the onboard self-declaration form (Lesson 2.2).
| Refresher | Self-declaration | All onboard elements done | Not all done |
|---|---|---|---|
| PST | Annex B | 4 hours | Full PST course |
| PSCRB | Annex C | 3 hours | 7 hours |
| PFRB | Annex D | 4 hours | 7 hours |
| FPFF | None | Not applicable | 7 hours |
| AFF | Annex E | 4 hours | 7 hours |
Worked totals for an officer who needs all four core refreshers:
- with all declarations complete: 4 + 7 + 3 + 4 = 18 hours;
- with none complete: full PST course + 7 + 7 + 7 = 21 hours plus the full PST course.
Centres usually timetable these as short courses over consecutive days. Ask how they bundle them.
What you will do
The refreshers bring you back to the standard of the original course, with an emphasis on the practical. The MNTB course guides set the detail. In outline:
| Refresher | Typical practical content |
|---|---|
| PST | Donning a lifejacket and immersion suit; entering the water; survival swimming and group techniques; righting and boarding a liferaft; actions in the raft; locating devices |
| FPFF | Fire theory recap; portable extinguishers on live fires; hoses and branches; breathing apparatus and search in smoke; fire party organisation |
| PSCRB | Launching, handling and recovering survival craft and rescue boats; taking charge after abandonment; first aid for survivors |
| AFF | Command and control of fire parties; tactics; ventilation and smoke control; coordination with shore fire services |
The self-declaration items (Lesson 2.2) show what the MCA regards as the core practical skills.
Getting on the course
MIN 643 section 5.4 lists what the provider will accept as evidence that you met the original standard:
- PST and FPFF: the original certificate from any STCW country; or a UK-issued watch rating certificate (II/4 or III/4), including yacht ratings; a UK AB, Able Seafarer, FSE/CEC, CoC, Ship's Cook CoC, MEOL or SMEOL.
- PSCRB: the original from an FSE-accepted country; a UK AB or Able Seafarer Deck; UK FSE/CEC; UK CoC (not Master of Code Vessels or fishing CoCs); MEOL or SMEOL.
- AFF: the original from an FSE-accepted country; UK FSE/CEC; UK CoC (not Master of Code Vessels, fishing or OOW (Yachts) <3000 GT CoCs); MEOL or SMEOL.
The provider must check the prerequisites and that you have completed the self-declaration form, if you are claiming the shorter course.
WARNING: Bring the declaration signed Turn up without the completed self-declaration and you will usually be put on the longer course, or turned away.
Fitness
The practical refreshers involve swimming, heat, breathing apparatus and heavy kit. Bring a valid ENG1 if the centre asks for one, and tell the instructor about any injury before you start. See ENG1 Seafarer Medical Guide.
TIP: Book early in the season Yacht crew all try to refresh in the same winter weeks. Book once your rotation is known.