Where this sits
Governing: STCW Code sections A-VI/1, A-VI/2 and A-VI/3 (onboard evidence of maintained competence); MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1, section 4.5 and Annexes B to E. Builds on: L2.1.
What STCW permits
The STCW Code allows seafarers to show maintained competence partly through onboard training and experience. MSN 1865 section 4.5 applies that in the UK: some elements of refresher training can be done on board, except FPFF, by completing and signing a self-declaration form. You then take the shorter shore-based course. If you have not done every element on the form, you do the longer course, or for PST a full PST course.
CAUTION: Onboard only shortens it In the UK there is no route to update PST, PSCRB, PFRB or AFF entirely on board. Every route ends with time at an MCA-approved (or accepted) centre.
The forms
Each form starts: "I declare that in the last 5 years I have completed onboard training and gained experience for maintaining the required standard of competence in the following". It then lists the elements, and you record the vessels, IMO numbers and dates on board.
Annex B: PST
- Don a lifejacket.
- Board a survival craft from the ship, while wearing a lifejacket.
- Take initial actions on boarding a lifeboat to improve the chance of survival.
- Stream a liferaft drogue or sea anchor.
- Operate survival craft equipment.
- Operate location devices, including radio equipment.
Annex C: PSCRB
Taking charge of survival craft or rescue boats during and after launch (markings and capacity, launch and boarding commands, launching and clearing the ship's side, recovery); managing survivors and craft (steering, using the equipment except pyrotechnics, rigging location aids); using portable radio; and first aid to survivors.
Annex D: PFRB
Controlling safe launch and recovery of a fast rescue boat; handling it in the prevailing conditions; communications with ship or helicopter; the emergency equipment; search patterns.
Annex E: AFF
Controlling fire-fighting operations: organisation, tactics and command; communication and coordination; ventilation and smoke extraction; control of fuel and electrical systems; process hazards; storage hazards; managing injured persons; coordination with shore fire-fighters.
Yacht reality
Yacht drills rarely include every element. Many yachts carry liferafts, not lifeboats, so "board a survival craft from the ship" and "stream a drogue" are hard to tick honestly. On many yachts the tender is the rescue boat, so PSCRB launch and recovery elements may be achievable, but the survival-craft ones may not.
| Your situation | Likely route |
|---|---|
| Every Annex item done and recorded | Shorter course (PST 4 h, PSCRB 3 h, AFF 4 h, PFRB 4 h) |
| Some items not done | Longer course (7 h), or full PST |
| FPFF | Always 7 hours ashore |
WARNING: It is a declaration You are signing a personal statement of fact. Ticking elements you have not done is a false declaration, and the shorter course assumes skills you do not have.
Making it work on board
- Ask the chief officer to plan drills to cover the Annex elements over a season: a liferaft demonstration at a service station, drogue streaming during a raft service, tender launch and recovery as rescue boat drills.
- Log it: keep your own record of which elements you did, when, and on which vessel (with IMO number).
- Take the form to the centre completed and signed.
TIP: Liferaft service visits When the yacht's liferafts go for their annual service, ask whether crew can attend the inflation. It is one of the few chances to see and handle the equipment on the form.