An STCW certificate is a document issued under the STCW Convention. It proves a seafarer has the training or competence required for a job on a seagoing ship. There are two kinds: certificates of competency and certificates of proficiency.
What the Convention itself is, and how its chapters work, is explained in what the STCW Code is. This guide covers the certificates: which ones exist, who needs them, how long they last and how to get one.
What Is an STCW Certificate?
An STCW certificate is any certificate issued under the STCW Convention to a seafarer. It is issued by a national maritime Administration, or a body it authorizes, after approved training, assessment and, for officers, approved sea service.
Seafarers often say “my STCW” when they mean basic training, the first course everyone takes. In law, “STCW certificate” covers every certificate of competency and proficiency issued under the Convention.
Who Issues STCW Certificates?
The Administration of the country that trained and examined the seafarer issues the certificate. Examples are the UK MCA, the US Coast Guard and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. In the US, most officer candidates complete the approved education at one of the seven US maritime academies. The flag State of the ship does not issue it unless it is the same country.
A seafarer serving under a different flag needs that flag’s endorsement recognizing the certificate, under Regulation I/10. Flag registers and open registries are explained in ship registries and flags of convenience.
What Is the Difference Between a CoC, a CoP and an Endorsement?
A certificate of competency (CoC) qualifies a master, officer or GMDSS radio operator for a rank. A certificate of proficiency (CoP) proves a specific training. An endorsement confirms or recognizes a certificate.
| Document | What it proves | Who needs it | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of competency (CoC) | Competence for a rank and capacity | Masters, officers, GMDSS radio operators | Officer in charge of a navigational watch (II/1) |
| Certificate of proficiency (CoP) | Completion of a specific training | Every seafarer, depending on duties | Basic training, advanced firefighting, tanker cargo operations |
| Endorsement attesting issue | That the CoC was issued under STCW | CoC holders | Usually printed on the CoC itself |
| Endorsement attesting recognition | That another flag accepts the CoC | Officers serving under a foreign flag | Panama or Liberia endorsement of a Philippine CoC |
A CoP never lets you serve as an officer. It shows you can do a task, such as launching a survival craft, not that you can hold a rank.
What Are the Main STCW Certificates?
The STCW certificates list runs from basic training, which every seafarer needs, to officer and master certificates. The table shows the most common ones and the regulation each is issued under.
| Certificate | STCW reference | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Basic training (BST) | VI/1, A-VI/1 | Everyone with safety or pollution-prevention duties |
| Proficiency in survival craft and rescue boats (PSCRB) | VI/2, A-VI/2-1 | Crew assigned to launch or command survival craft |
| Advanced firefighting (AFF) | VI/3, A-VI/3 | Crew who control firefighting, usually officers |
| Medical first aid / medical care | VI/4, A-VI/4-1 and 4-2 | Officers designated to give first aid or medical care |
| Security awareness / designated security duties | VI/6, A-VI/6-1 and 6-2 | All crew / crew with security duties |
| Ship security officer (SSO) | VI/5, A-VI/5 | The officer designated as SSO |
| Rating forming part of a watch | II/4, III/4 | Deck and engine watch ratings |
| Able seafarer deck / engine | II/5, III/5 | Senior ratings, such as the bosun |
| Oil, chemical or liquefied gas tanker training | V/1-1, V/1-2 | Crew on tankers, at basic or advanced level |
| Officer of the watch, deck / engine | II/1, III/1 | Junior officers |
| Chief mate, master / second and chief engineer | II/2, III/2 | Senior officers on larger ships |
| Electro-technical officer (ETO) | III/6 | Electrical officers |
| GMDSS radio operator | IV/2 | Officers keeping the radio watch |
Officer and rating levels follow the ship’s organization, described in shipboard organization and ranks. Senior ratings such as the bosun hold able seafarer certificates.
What Is Included in STCW Basic Training?
STCW basic training has four elements, usually taken together over about five days at an approved training centre. Many employers will not hire a seafarer without it.
| Element | Code section | What you learn |
|---|---|---|
| Personal survival techniques (PST) | A-VI/1-1 | Lifejackets, liferafts, abandoning ship, survival in water |
| Fire prevention and firefighting (FPFF) | A-VI/1-2 | Fire chemistry, extinguishers, breathing apparatus, live fire drills |
| Elementary first aid (EFA) | A-VI/1-3 | Immediate action in an accident or medical emergency |
| Personal safety and social responsibilities (PSSR) | A-VI/1-4 | Safe work, pollution prevention, teamwork, preventing harassment |
Since 1 January 2026, PSSR also covers preventing and responding to bullying, harassment and sexual assault, under amendments MSC.560(108).
Survival and firefighting training links directly to the equipment on board, such as lifeboats and fire hoses. Practical parts must be done in person; theory may be done by e-learning where the Administration allows.
How Long Is an STCW Certificate Valid?
A certificate of competency is valid for up to five years. Basic training, survival craft, fast rescue boat and advanced firefighting competence must also be proved every five years. Some certificates do not expire.
| Certificate | Validity | How it is renewed |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of competency (CoC) | Up to 5 years | 12 months’ sea service in 5 years, or 3 months in the last 6 months, or an approved course or test |
| Basic training (PST and FPFF) | Competence proved every 5 years | Refresher course, with practical drills ashore |
| PSCRB and advanced firefighting | Competence proved every 5 years | Refresher course |
| Tanker certificates | Up to 5 years | 3 months’ tanker service in 5 years, or an approved course |
| Medical certificate | Up to 2 years (1 year if under 18) | New medical examination |
| Security awareness, EFA, PSSR | No STCW expiry | Flag or company rules may require refreshers |
Under Regulation I/11, Administrations must revalidate certificates once the seafarer proves continued competence. A medical certificate that expires during a voyage remains valid until the next port with a recognized medical practitioner, for up to three months.
How Do You Get an STCW Certificate?
The route depends on the certificate. A rating needs basic training, a medical and the right CoPs. An officer also needs approved education, sea service, an onboard training record and an examination.
- Pass a seafarer medical examination with a recognized medical practitioner, such as the UK ENG1.
- Complete basic training and any other CoP courses at a training centre approved by your Administration.
- For officers, complete approved education and at least 12 months’ approved seagoing service as a cadet, with a training record book.
- Pass the oral and written examinations set by the Administration.
- Apply with your training certificates, sea service testimonials, medical certificate, ID and fee.
- Before joining a foreign-flag ship, apply for that flag’s endorsement of your CoC.
Engine officers follow a similar route, described in the duties of a fourth engineer and third engineer. Radio operator certificates link to GMDSS equipment on board.
STCW sets no minimum age for basic training. Ratings forming part of a watch must be at least 16 and officers in charge of a watch at least 18.
Which Specialized STCW Certificates Exist?
Chapter V adds certificates for ships with special risks. These are added to basic training, not instead of it, and many have a basic and an advanced level.
| Ship type | Certificate | Typical holders |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and chemical tankers | Basic and advanced tanker cargo operations (V/1-1) | All crew with cargo duties; officers in charge need advanced |
| Gas carriers under the IGC Code | Basic and advanced liquefied gas tanker training (V/1-2) | Same split as oil and chemical tankers |
| Passenger ships | Crowd management, crisis management, passenger safety (V/2) | Crew who assist passengers in an emergency |
| Ships using LNG or other low-flashpoint fuels | Basic and advanced IGF training (V/3) | Crew with fuel-related duties |
| Ships in polar waters | Basic and advanced polar training (V/4) | Masters and deck officers |
Security certificates follow the ISPS Code, with the ship security officer as the key role. How security duties are shared is explained in recognized security organizations and the ISPS Code.
How Do You Verify an STCW Certificate?
Every Administration must keep a register of the certificates it issues and confirm their status to companies and other Administrations. Most offer an online verification service using the certificate number and holder’s name.
Fake certificates are a known problem, so manning agents and operators verify each CoC and endorsement before a seafarer joins. The company is responsible for this under Regulation I/14.
What Do Inspectors Check?
Port state control officers and vetting inspectors compare crew certificates with the ship’s safe manning document. Common findings include:
- Certificates or endorsements expired, or missing for a crew member on the crew list.
- Officers on a foreign-flag ship without that flag’s endorsement, or without proof of application.
- Tanker certificates at the wrong level for the officer’s cargo duties.
- Medical certificates expired, or not issued by a recognized practitioner.
- No record of ship-specific familiarization, which also sits under the ISM Code.
Missing or invalid certificates can lead to detention. Crew numbers and grades are set by the safe manning rules explained in how many crew members ships need.
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an STCW certificate?
A certificate issued under the STCW Convention proving a seafarer’s training or competence. It is either a certificate of competency or a certificate of proficiency.
How long is an STCW certificate valid?
Up to five years for a certificate of competency. Basic training must be refreshed every five years; medical certificates last up to two years.
What does STCW basic training include?
Personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities.
Can STCW training be done online?
Theory parts can, where the Administration approves it. Practical parts, such as firefighting and survival in water, must be done in person.
Who issues STCW certificates?
The national maritime Administration of the country where you trained, such as the MCA, USCG or Norwegian Maritime Authority.
What is an STCW endorsement?
An endorsement either confirms that a CoC was issued under STCW, or shows that another flag State recognizes it for service on its ships.
Is there a minimum age for STCW?
Not for basic training. Watch ratings must be at least 16, and officers in charge of a watch at least 18.
Do yacht crew need STCW certificates?
Yes, on commercial yachts. Basic training is the minimum, and deck and engine officers need yacht or full STCW certificates.
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