Your STCW safety training lapses after five years — here is where to revalidate it, fast.
STCW Basic Safety Training doesn't last forever — the fire fighting and sea survival elements have to be refreshed every five years to stay valid, and yachts will check your dates. The updating (revalidation) courses are shorter than the originals, usually two to three days, and get your certificate back in date. Because it's a quick, recurring job, most crew just want a properly MCA-approved centre near where they are. Here are solid options, led by Flying Fish in Cowes.
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My own starting point — I trained with Flying Fish back in 2018. Purpose-built superyacht training base on the water in Cowes, RYA Training Centre and MCA-approved, with one of the widest course ranges in the UK: STCW, deckhand and interior packages right through to Yachtmaster. Book online and hold a place for 48 hours.
Large charity-run academy in Cowes, MCA-approved and an RYA Training Centre, also running full cadetship pathways for crew who want the professional route.
Liverpool-based STCW centre, MCA-approved and GWO-accredited, handy for crew training in the north.
Edinburgh-based STCW and safety centre, MCA-approved, covering the core mandatory tickets including security and refresher courses.
Clydebank centre near Glasgow, MCA-approved with GWO and OPITO offshore accreditations.
Solent University's maritime school near Southampton — MCA-approved with MNTB cadet pathways and a strong academic reputation.
Major Fort Lauderdale training campus, MCA / USCG / RYA approved — the main US hub for crew training either side of the Atlantic.
Phuket-based, MCA and IYT approved — the leading superyacht training hub in South-East Asia.
This is our shortlist. See every accredited provider offering STCW Advanced / Updates / Refresher in the full STCW Advanced / Updates / Refresher directory →
Looking wider? See our best STCW courses worldwide →
The fire fighting and sea survival elements of STCW Basic Safety Training must be revalidated every five years. The other elements are updated as required.
The STCW updating/refresher courses are shorter than the originals — typically two to three days in total, depending on which elements you are revalidating.
You complete the STCW updating (revalidation) course to bring it back into date. You generally do not need to redo the full original course.
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