What Is STCW? Why Seafarers Need It, the Courses You Must Take, and Renewal
In brief
- STCW is the international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers, produced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It was adopted on 7 July 1978 and entered into force on 28 April 1984.
- The basic training everyone working onboard must pass is Basic Safety Training, made up of 4 courses: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
- In Thailand, the Marine Department issues certificates to people who pass courses at approved training schools. Princess states that Security Awareness is required for every cruise ship crew member.
- A Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) under Marine Department Notice 256/2565 is valid for 5 years from issue and is renewed with proof of sea service or a refresher course.
- Course fees and length differ by school. We found no official standard price list, so we give no figures: ask for a written quotation from a school on the Marine Department's approved list.
When you read a seafarer job advertisement you often see "STCW required". This article explains what STCW is in plain language, based on the IMO convention page and the guidance pages of the Marine Department's Seafarers Standard Division. Information checked on 2 November 2026.
What is STCW?
STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. The IMO created it to set minimum standards for the training, certification and watchkeeping of seafarers. According to the IMO's STCW convention page, the 1978 convention was the first to set these basic requirements at international level.
Key dates for STCW
- 7 Jul 1978STCW convention adopted
- 28 Apr 1984Convention enters into force
- 1 Feb 1997Major 1995 amendments enter into force
- 25 Jun 2010Manila amendments adopted
- 1 Jan 2012Manila amendments enter into force under the tacit acceptance procedure
Because countries apply the same standard, certificates held by Thai seafarers are recognised on foreign ships, and employers and ports can check that crew were trained to the required level. The list of countries the IMO has confirmed as fully implementing the convention is published as document MSC.1/Circ.1163. We have not opened the current version to confirm Thailand's status, so we do not state it in this article.
The basic course everyone needs: Basic Safety Training
The UK government's guidance page says everyone working on a ship, in any capacity, must complete 4 basic parts set out in the tables of Chapter VI of the STCW Code. In Thailand, the Marine Department calls this group the "four basic courses (Basic Safety Training)" in its list of certificates you can apply for. The table below shows the 4 parts.
| Course | STCW Code table | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Survival Techniques | A-VI/1-1 | Surviving when you have to abandon ship |
| Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting | A-VI/1-2 | Preventing and fighting small fires onboard |
| Elementary First Aid | A-VI/1-3 | Basic first aid |
| Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities | A-VI/1-4 | Personal safety and responsibility to others onboard |
We cite the UK MCA page because it names all 4 parts and their tables clearly. The text of the STCW Code is an IMO requirement; its application in Thailand falls under Marine Department regulations and notices.
Additional courses by position
The Marine Department's guide to applying for COP/COE/GOC/COR certificates lists 21 certificates you can apply for. The table below picks examples relevant to cruise ship and cargo ship work.
| Certificate (English name as on the guide page) | Condition stated in the guide |
|---|---|
| Basic Safety Training (four basic courses) | If trained more than 5 years ago, you must show proof of a refresher course |
| Security Awareness for All Seafarers | No extra condition stated |
| Designated Security Duties for All Seafarers | No extra condition stated |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | If trained more than 5 years ago, you must show proof of a refresher course |
| Survival Craft (lifeboats and rescue boats other than fast rescue boats) | At least 6 months of sea service on ships of 500 GT or more, and a refresher if trained more than 5 years ago |
| Ship's Cook | At least 6 months of sea service on ships of 500 GT or more, and you must attach a course from the Department of Skill Development |
| Crowd Management / Crisis Management and Human Behavior | No extra condition stated (courses relating to passenger ships) |
| Basic Training on Tankers (Oil and Chemical) | You must hold a valid Basic Safety Training certificate |
Cruise lines describe STCW differently. Princess states that STCW Security Awareness is required for every cruise ship crew member, and that the seafarer's book and STCW are required for some positions (mostly deck and engine). MSC says its pre-boarding training supplements the mandatory STCW training. Before paying tuition, ask the company or read the job advertisement to see which courses that position needs.
How long is a certificate valid, and how do you renew it?
Under Marine Department Notice 256/2565 (Royal Gazette, 3 January 2023), Certificates of Competency (CoC) and Certificates of Proficiency (CoP) issued under Chapters 2 and 3 are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. For basic safety training, survival craft and rescue boats, fast rescue boats and advanced fire fighting, renewal requires one of the following, plus a valid health certificate:
- Proof of at least 12 months of sea service in an appropriate role in the previous 5 years, or at least 3 months in the 6 months before expiry, together with proof of onboard drills (for example a Muster List), or
- Proof of passing a refresher course approved by the Marine Department, taken no more than 5 years before the renewal application.
Choose a school approved by the Marine Department
A certificate can only be issued if you passed a course at a training school approved by the Marine Department. The Seafarers Standard Division's page on approved training schools collects the latest notices, for example Marine Department Notice 195/2569 (approved schools and courses, STCW category) and 196/2569 (courses outside the STCW convention), including lists of instructors. The page links to documents rather than listing schools on one page, so open the latest notice file.
One example of a state institution offering this group of courses is the Maritime Training Centre (MMTC), which groups its courses into categories such as basic seafarer knowledge, passenger ships, liquid cargo and dangerous goods ships, and security officer courses. The page does not state course length or fees; ask the institution directly.
Check before you pay tuition
- The school and course are in the Marine Department's latest notice of approved training schools
- The course matches what the job advertisement or company specifies, not just any "short course"
- Get a written quotation and schedule (fees and length differ by school)
- Ask whether the school files the certificate application with the Marine Department for you, and whether the Department's fee is separate from tuition
- After you receive the certificate, verify it through the verify.md.go.th system
Frequently asked questions
What does STCW stand for?
International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, an IMO convention setting standards for the training, certification and watchkeeping of seafarers.
Do I need STCW before applying for a ship job?
It depends on the company and position. Princess states that STCW Security Awareness is required for every cruise ship crew member, while the seafarer's book and full STCW are required for some positions. Read the job advertisement for the position.
How many courses are in Basic Safety Training?
4 courses under the STCW Code: Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Elementary First Aid, and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
How long is an STCW certificate valid?
Under Marine Department Notice 256/2565, certificates of competency and proficiency issued under Chapters 2 and 3 are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires proof of sea service or a refresher course under the notice's conditions.
How much does an STCW course cost and how many days does it take?
We found no price or duration table from an official source. Fees differ by school and course, so ask for a quotation from a school approved by the Marine Department.
Is it valid worldwide?
STCW is an international convention, but recognition on each country's ships may need an additional endorsement from the flag state. Check with the employer first.
Read more
References
- IMO. International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- GOV.UK (UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency). Seafarer training, certification, examinations and careers · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department (Seafarers Standard Division). How to apply for COP, COE, GOC, COR certificates (Thai) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department (Seafarers Standard Division). Public guide: certificate renewal (Thai) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department. Marine Department Notice 256/2565 on certificate validity, certificate exemption permits and renewal (Thai) (Royal Gazette, 3 Jan 2023) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department (Seafarers Standard Division). Approved training schools (Thai) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department (Seafarers Standard Division). Course information (STCW and non-STCW) (Thai) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Maritime Training Centre (MMTC). Training courses (Thai) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Marine Department (Seafarers Standard Division). Certificate verification system · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- Princess Cruises. Jobs at sea (shipboard careers) · Checked 2 Nov 2026
- MSC Cruises. Working onboard · Checked 2 Nov 2026
The information in this article is general guidance. Regulations, fees and company requirements can change. Please check with the official authority before paying any money or signing any document.