No nautical training is possible nowadays without STCW courses or their analogue. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) was first adopted in 1978 to provide the unitary training system for seafarers from all over the world. Since then, document has been amended twice (in 1995 and 2010) to embrace changes in maritime industry.

The first Section of the convention is dedicated to the Basic Safety Training (A-VI/1-1) which is mandatory for all ranks and includes 4 courses: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid and Personal Safety and Social Responsibility. As a rule, safety training occupies the whole week; and there is an assessment at the end of the course. Refresher BST is required as well.

Another popular training in the family of STCW courses is  Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats (A-VI/2) developed to train seafarers to launch and navigate survival crafts and rescue boats; use location devices and manage survivors. There is also Refresher version of this course as well as separate training called Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (A-VI/2-2).

The third in the list of mandatory STCW certificates is Advanced Fire Fighting course (A-VI/3). On this level of fire fighting training the premium is put on the ability to lead the fire team and control fire fighting process; investigate the causes of fire, prepare reports and prevent future emergencies. Refresher course might be combined with other compulsory STCW trainings.

Manila Amendments of 2010 have added security courses to the STCW courses list. So now Security Training for All Seafarers (A-VI/6-1) and Designated Security Duties (A-VI/6-2) might be found in the curriculum of training centers throughout the world. The first one is targeted at seafarers without specific security responsibilities and is built on Ship Security Plan. Upon completion the course, trainees are expected to contribute to the vessel’s security by recognizing weapons, explosive devices and behavior that might threaten ship’s security. Meanwhile, the latter training is designed for those who would together with the appointed Ship Security Officer perform active protection of the vessel. In addition to the revision of the previous course, they are given knowledge of security measures onboard, contingency plans, and crowd and crisis management.