If you’re planning to build a career at sea, you’ll come across the term STCW course merchant navy during your research. But what exactly is STCW, why is it mandatory, and what role does it play in getting you on board a ship?

In India, institutions like SkillsStation are helping thousands of cadets and aspiring seafarers understand and complete the STCW course in accordance with DG Shipping guidelines. Let’s break it all down clearly and simply.

What is STCW?

STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. It is an international convention adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1978 and amended over the years (most significantly in 1995 and 2010, known as the Manila Amendments).

The STCW course merchant navy ensures that every seafarer—whether they’re a deck cadet, marine engineer, or crew member—is trained in basic safety, survival, and watchkeeping practices before boarding any merchant ship.

Why is the STCW Course Important in the Merchant Navy?

The STCW course is mandatory under international law. No seafarer is allowed to work on a commercial vessel without it. The stcw course merchant navy pathway builds the foundational knowledge and safety skills needed for maritime operations, including:

Handling emergencies at sea
Fire safety and prevention
Basic first aid
Personal survival techniques
Security awareness

This training not only protects your life but also the lives of your shipmates and the safety of the vessel.

Who Needs to Do the STCW Course?

The stcw course merchant navy is required for:

Deck cadets
Engine cadets
GP Ratings
Electro-Technical Officers (ETOs)
Catering crew
Any individual planning to work on commercial ships (including cruise liners, cargo ships, oil tankers, etc.)

It is often the first step in a merchant navy career, even before pre-sea training or joining a shipping company.

What Modules Are Covered in the STCW Course?

The basic STCW course merchant navy in India typically includes 4–5 key modules:

Personal Survival Techniques (PST):

Learn how to survive at sea during emergencies like ship abandonment or man-overboard situations.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF):

Training in handling onboard fire emergencies, using fire extinguishers, breathing apparatus, and conducting rescue operations.
Elementary First Aid (EFA):

Learn to provide basic medical care until professional help is available.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR):

Covers working conditions, communication, teamwork, and onboard discipline.
Security Awareness (SA) or Proficiency in Security Training (PSTISPS):

(Optional, based on vessel type) Prepares you to identify and respond to potential maritime security threats.

Each module in the STCW course merchant navy is designed to simulate real-life situations at sea and develop both physical and mental preparedness.

Duration and Eligibility of the STCW Course

Duration: The full basic STCW course typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete.
Eligibility:
- Minimum age: 17.5 years
- Educational qualification: 10th/12th pass or equivalent
- Physically and medically fit as per DG Shipping standards

You can do the STCW course merchant navy at any DG Shipping-approved maritime training institute in India.

STCW Course Fees in India

The fees for the full basic STCW course merchant navy range between ₹10,000 to ₹25,000, depending on the institute and location.
Some institutes offer combo packages including pre-sea training with STCW bundled together.

Always choose a DG-approved training centre like SkillStation to ensure the validity of your course certificate.

Validity and Renewal of STCW Certificate

STCW certificates are usually valid for 5 years.
After expiry, a refresher course is required to renew your qualifications.
Most seafarers must also complete advanced STCW modules as they progress in rank or join specialised vessels (e.g., oil tankers, LNG ships).

The STCW course merchant navy serves as your legal entry pass into international maritime employment, and keeping your certificate updated is essential.

STCW and DG Shipping Compliance

In India, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) is the governing body that enforces the stcw course merchant navy regulations. All training centres, instructors, and examination protocols are approved and audited by DG Shipping.

Upon successful completion, your certification is uploaded to DG Shipping’s eSAmudra portal, which allows shipping companies to verify your documents digitally.

Common Questions About the STCW Course in the Merchant Navy

Q1. Can I join the merchant navy without an STCW certificate?

No. STCW is a minimum legal requirement for working on any commercial ship.

Q2. Can I do the STCW course online?

As of now, practical modules must be completed in person due to safety drills and hands-on equipment training.

Q3. What happens if my STCW certificate expires?

You’ll need to take a refresher course to renew it and remain eligible to sail.

Conclusion

The STCW course merchant navy is your first and most essential step into a global maritime career. It prepares you to handle emergencies, contribute to onboard safety, and comply with international maritime laws. Without it, your seafaring journey cannot legally begin.

At SkillStation, the best merchant navy academy in dehradun, our training modules are fully DG Shipping approved and designed to equip you with both theoretical and hands-on knowledge through our SkillsStation model, ensuring that you’re not just certified, but confident.

Rayyan Alam

11:55 27 Jun 24

I heard about Skill Station from a senior and decided to join. When I got to Dehradun, I was thrilled with the great faculty and environment. Amrinder Sir is amazing – his communication skills, style, and personality are top-notch. He's more than a teacher; he's like a friend, brother, and mentor. Joining Skill Station was the best decision I made. Unlike other places, Sir helps you until you get selected. Last year, I achieved a 5452 rank in IMUCET but didn't get any company sponsorship. However, Sir didn't leave me. He took care of us until we were selected and continued to guide us even after our selection. This year, with his guidance, I improved to a 4600 rank in IMUCET and got sponsored by ESM. Skill Station feels like a family. Thank you, Sir!

Abhinav Garwal

10:40 27 Jun 24

Thank you Team Skills Station!

For always guiding me.
For not only making a relationship as a teacher-student but also to make a bond like a family members.

Special thank to Amrinder Sir for not only helping and guiding us but also to treat us like an elder brother in our all the tough and difficult situation.

❤️Thank you to all the members of Skills Station team.
- Abhinav Garwal

aakarsh negi

08:22 27 Jun 24

One of the best institutes I have seen that not only has good results but also great management. When I joined this institute, I was a bit shy and was not able to speak in public, but now my personality has completely changed. I am confident and bold, and now I like to socialize even more. Because of the teachers and their guidance, I was able to score a good rank in IMU-CET and got sponsored by Anglo.

Kirti Mishra

08:21 27 Jun 24

I'm a student of skill station by Amrinder sir , I'm a type of student who scared to talk in front of crowd and have a lack of confidence , but after joining skill station family Amrinder sir taught me and helped me in every single step I improved my personality . Our faculties present over there are very supportive , friendly and kind hearted they always present there to help us wherever we need they motivate us to keep growing.One more thing from my side Amrinder sir's classes is not just for interview's it'll always help you further in your life how to stay , how to adjust and how to grow with limited resources. With skill station family I learnt a lot of things .
Thanks skill station family specially a great personality Amrinder sir 🙏

ARYAN KAMRA

08:14 27 Jun 24

Skills Station Is Best academy For The preparation of merchant Navy , all the teachers Are very helpful and Hardworking they have years of experience joining skills station is one of my best decision I have ever taken in my life, Specially Amrinder Sir Who helped us in every situation we have faced during Our exams or interviews thank You to all the whole team of Skills Station Family because of you I Have secured Good Rank in Imucet I highly recommend new Comers please join Skills Station.

Deepika Rohilla

07:01 26 Jun 24

This is the best institute for Merchant Navy and Communication skills. Amrinder Sir helped me to gain confidence to clear the interviews. He always focuses to develop our personality. I am more confidant and more skillful now.