STCW Basic Safety Training Online — Start Today

Every seafarer needs STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) before stepping aboard a commercial vessel. This guide covers what the course includes, where to take it online, and how much it costs — with approved providers you can book today.

What is STCW Basic Safety Training?

STCW Basic Safety Training is the mandatory minimum safety training required under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention). The training standard is set out in Section A-VI/1 of the STCW Code, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Every seafarer — whether deck officer, engineer, or galley staff — must complete BST before serving on a commercially flagged vessel. The certificate is valid for five years, after which a refresher course is required.

Flag states implement STCW through national legislation. In the United Kingdom, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) sets out requirements in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1865 (M). In Canada, Transport Canada enforces STCW through the Marine Personnel Regulations. Australia follows AMSA Marine Order 505.

Source: IMO STCW Convention, Section A-VI/1; MCA MSN 1865 (M) Amendment 1 (2022)

What the course covers (4 modules)

STCW BST comprises four compulsory modules. Each targets a different aspect of seafarer safety:

1. Personal Survival Techniques (PST) — STCW Code A-VI/1-1

Covers survival at sea after abandoning ship: lifejacket use, life raft boarding, distress signals, EPIRB activation, and survival psychology. Includes practical pool session.

2. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) — STCW Code A-VI/1-2

Fire theory, prevention, detection, and extinguisher use. Practical session covers firefighting in enclosed spaces, wearing breathing apparatus, and team firefighting techniques.

3. Elementary First Aid (EFA) — STCW Code A-VI/1-3

Basic first aid for seafarers: CPR, choking response, wound management, shock treatment, and casualty handling. Covers the contents and use of a ship’s first aid kit.

4. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — STCW Code A-VI/1-4

Workplace safety, emergency procedures, crew cooperation, and communication. Covers onboard organisational structure, safe working practices, and reporting procedures.

Source: IMO STCW Code Sections A-VI/1-1 through A-VI/1-4

Online vs in-person — what you need to know

The theory components of STCW BST can be completed via approved e-learning providers. However, practical components require in-person attendance at an approved training centre.

Flag states differ on what they accept:

• Panama, Cyprus, Palau: Accept fully online BST from approved providers (e-learning theory + video-assessed practicals)
• United Kingdom (MCA): Requires practical attendance at an MCA-approved training centre. Theory may be completed online but practicals must be supervised
• Canada (Transport Canada): Requires in-person practical assessment at a Transport Canada-approved institution
• Australia (AMSA): Requires practical components at an AMSA-approved training provider

Important: Always verify acceptance with your flag state before enrolling. A certificate accepted by Panama may not be accepted by the UK or Canada.

Where to take it — approved providers

Two major online providers offer STCW BST courses accepted by multiple flag states:

Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA)

Transport Canada recognised. Offers individual modules and complete BST packages. Courses delivered online with practical assessment components. Accepted in Canada, UK, and 9+ flag states.

Browse VMA STCW courses →

Marine Pro Academy (MPA)

88 courses covering STCW, endorsements, and supplementary certifications. Offers the STCW Basic Training Bundle (4 courses) with Panama and Cyprus approval. Includes Seaman Book and eSIM services.

Browse MPA STCW courses →

Cost breakdown

STCW BST costs vary by provider, format, and country:

• Online (theory only): $200–$500 depending on provider
• In-person (full BST with practicals): $800–$1,500 depending on country and training centre
• Refresher course: $150–$400 (shorter duration, typically 1–2 days)

Online courses from VMA and MPA typically cost 40–60% less than equivalent in-person training, because the theory component is delivered via e-learning. The practical component may still require attendance at an approved centre, depending on your flag state.

Check current VMA pricing → | Check current MPA pricing →

How to renew your STCW BST

STCW BST certificates are valid for five years. Before expiry, you must complete a refresher course to maintain certification.

Key renewal requirements:

• Complete refresher training before certificate expires
• Refresher covers all four modules (abbreviated format)
• Practical assessment required for fire fighting and survival techniques
• Cannot serve on a commercially flagged vessel with an expired BST certificate

Ideally, begin the renewal process 4–6 weeks before expiry to avoid gaps in certification.

VMA refresher courses → | MPA refresher courses →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need STCW BST to work on a yacht?

Yes. All seafarers on commercially flagged vessels — including superyachts operating under MCA (LY3/PLY) or other commercial codes — must hold a valid STCW BST certificate. Private pleasure vessels are exempt, but crew on charter yachts typically require it.

Can I do STCW BST fully online?

The theory component can be completed online via approved e-learning providers. However, practical components (fire fighting, survival techniques) require in-person attendance at an approved training centre for most flag states. Panama, Cyprus, and Palau accept fully online BST from approved providers.

How long does STCW BST take?

Online theory: 2–4 weeks (self-paced). In-person practicals: 2–5 days depending on training centre schedule. Total time from enrolment to certification: typically 3–6 weeks.

What happens if my STCW BST expires?

You cannot serve on a commercially flagged vessel with an expired BST certificate. You must complete a refresher course before returning to sea. There is no grace period.

Which countries accept online STCW BST?

Panama, Cyprus, and Palau accept fully online BST from approved providers. The UK, Canada, and Australia require in-person practical components. Always verify with your flag state before enrolling.

Looking for country-specific certification requirements? See our Canada maritime employment guide, UK maritime employment guide, or compare flag states.