STCW Renewal — How to Renew Your STCW Certificates

All STCW certificates and endorsements are valid for five years. Before expiry, you must complete refresher training to maintain your certification. This guide covers the renewal process for every STCW endorsement, including timelines, costs, and where to take refresher courses.

Renewal timeline

STCW certificates expire exactly five years from the date of issue. You must complete refresher training before the expiry date — there is no grace period.

Recommended timeline:

• 6 months before expiry: Begin researching refresher course options
• 4–6 weeks before expiry: Book and complete refresher training
• Before expiry date: Receive renewed certificate
• After expiry: You cannot serve on a commercially flagged vessel until renewed

If your certificate expires while you are serving on a vessel, you must cease duties immediately and complete renewal before returning to sea.

What STCW renewal involves

Refresher training covers the same competencies as the original course, but in an abbreviated format. The practical components are typically shorter, as the course assumes existing knowledge.

For STCW Basic Safety Training renewal, the refresher covers all four modules:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) — abbreviated practical
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF) — abbreviated practical
• Elementary First Aid (EFA) — theory review and practical assessment
• Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) — theory review

For other STCW endorsements (advanced fire fighting, survival craft, medical care, GMDSS), the refresher process is similar — abbreviated practical assessment of existing competencies.

Costs

Refresher courses typically cost less than the original training:

• STCW BST refresher: $150–$400 depending on provider and location
• Advanced fire fighting refresher: $200–$500
• Survival craft refresher: $200–$500
• Medical care refresher: $250–$600

Online refresher courses from approved providers typically cost 30–50% less than in-person equivalents, though practical components may still require attendance at an approved training centre.

VMA refresher courses → | MPA refresher courses →

Where to renew

Refresher courses are available from the same providers as original training:

• Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA): Online theory refresher with approved practical components. Transport Canada recognised.
• Marine Pro Academy (MPA): Online refresher bundles for multiple STCW endorsements. Panama and Cyprus approved.
• National training centres: In-person refresher courses at flag state-approved training institutions.

Always verify that your chosen provider is approved by your flag state before enrolling.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my STCW certificate expires?

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

Can I renew my STCW online?

The theory component of refresher training can be completed online through approved e-learning providers. Practical components (fire fighting, survival craft) typically require in-person attendance, depending on your flag state. Specific renewal cycles and approved-provider lists vary by flag state — see our Malta and Marshall Islands guides for two contrasting examples (EU-aligned vs open-registry).

How long does STCW renewal take?

Online theory: 1–2 weeks (self-paced). In-person practicals: 1–3 days. Total time: typically 2–4 weeks from enrolment to renewed certificate.

Do I need to renew all my STCW endorsements at once?

No. Each STCW endorsement has its own 5-year validity period. You renew each endorsement separately when it expires.

Can I work while my renewal is being processed?

No. You must hold a valid certificate at all times while serving on a commercially flagged vessel. If your certificate expires during processing, you cannot serve until the renewed certificate is issued.

See also: STCW Basic Safety Training | CoC vs STCW endorsement | Canada maritime guide