STCW Personal Survival Techniques - Updating Training - HALF DAY: 02 FEBRUARY 2026

Section A-VI/1 of STCW (paragraph 3) states that ‘Seafarers qualified in accordance with paragraph 2 in basic training shall be required, every five years, to provide evidence of having maintained the required standard of competence, to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities listed in column 1 of table A VI/1-1.’

Some of the required updating training may be carried out on board ships, with certain elements that have to be undertaken ashore at an MCA approved training centre.  The following training and experience that can be undertaken onboard is:

• Don a lifejacket;
• Board a survival craft from the ship, while wearing a lifejacket;
• Take initial actions on boarding a lifeboat to enhance chance of survival;
• Stream a lifeboat drogue or sea anchor;
• Operate survival craft equipment and;
• Operate location devices, including radio equipment.

Where this onboard training and experience is undertaken, a self declaration form must be signed confirming that all the requirements have been met in order to attend the requisite shore based half-day training course.  For those who have not undertaken this onboard training and are therefore unable to sign the self-declaration form, the full 1-day course must be undertaken.

Self-declaration forms may be obtained by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

DELEGATES MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR CERTIFICATION IN ORDER TO ATTEND THIS COURSE.