Cape Town has always been a popular hub for South Africans and foreigners alike for seeking reliable and affordable maritime courses. South Africa is one of the most affordable countries to take maritime courses in, which includes the STCW. Now, Cape Town may be the famous hub but that does not mean it is the only place. There are other locations, say Durban for example. There are many qualified instructors and training institutes offering the STCW Course and other marine courses in Durban.
In this article, we will talk about the basic STCW course and places you will be able to take an STCW course in Durban.
STCW Course – An Overview
Let’s take a quick recap of what the STCW course is all about.
Basically, this course contains five modules that you must complete to qualify. For successfully completing each module, you will receive a certificate that is valid for up to 5 years and is renewable.
If you are someone who is seeking a commercial career on a yacht for example, then the STCW certificate is the basic necessary course you will have to take. This course may take between 9 and 11 days depending on the modules you have signed up for and is tremendously fun. It will prepare you theoretically and practically for various scenarios in a controlled environment so that you can act immediately and firmly in case of offshore emergencies.
Let’s understand each module in brief.
1. Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention (FF&FP):
Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention focuses on enabling you to counter all types of fire hazards on the ship. The training includes the introduction and usage of fire fighting tools, how to identify different types of fires, and scenario practicals. This course lasts for 3 days.
2. Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR):
This is a mandatory offshore training module that covers safety and general social responsibilities as a seafarer. This is a 2-days course and is very important…
3. Proficiency in Designated Security Duties (PDSD):
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties is another one of the most important modules if you wish to work internationally. That includes international passenger ships, superyachts, and cargo ships of 500 tons and above. This 2-days course was introduced in STCW 2010 and is a must-complete course.
4. Elementary First-Aid Course (EFA):
STCW’s First-Aid course is 2-days long. This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle medical emergencies. This includes how to use first aid medical tools, what actions to take, basic first-aid related procedures, and more.
5. Sea Survival – Personal Survival Techniques (PST):
Sea Survival is a 2 days course that trains you to keep yourself safe on the seas. You will learn this through practical scenarios as well as theoretical knowledge. You will also learn about a variety of safety and survival tools that are necessary to keep yourself and others alive in a dire situation. This includes using life jackets and other tools, deploying and using life rafts, using drogue or anchor, operating radios, and more. Keep yourself safe and alive in dire situations by learning about it in a controlled environment with this module.
STCW Course in Durban
Sail and Power SA is situated in Cape Town, South Africa, and we provide our STCW Courses in Cape Town. However, if you are located in Durban and cannot spend time in Cape Town to take an STCW Course, then don’t worry. Not all hope is lost as we can still help you with that.
If you are looking for an STCW Course in Durban, contact us and we will help you through the process. We always ensure that our clients get the right STCW course and all the necessary certifications on time. Furthermore, if you have queries before, during, or after completing the STCW course, feel free to ask us or your instructor for answers. We will do our best to help.
Conclusion
The STCW is the most basic and mandatory course you need to take if you wish to work on a commercial yacht. If you are based in Durban, we can help you with getting the STCW course in Durban.
However, if you are in Cape Town or planning to move to Cape Town for the STCW and other marine courses, then that is the most ideal situation for us to be able to help you. We specialise in Powerboat Courses and we guarantee the best powerboat learning experience in Cape Town. Give us a ring for more information.