PSF Course (Passenger Ship Familiarization): Complete Guide for Cruise Ship Job Seekers in 2025

If you are planning to join the cruise industry, one of the first mandatory safety courses you must complete is the PSF Course, officially known as Passenger Ship Familiarization. This DG Shipping–approved safety course is designed to prepare candidates for working on passenger ships, ferries, and international cruise liners, where handling large crowds, emergencies, and ship operations is crucial.

This blog gives you a detailed breakdown of the PSF course near me, eligibility, syllabus, fees, course benefits, and why it is mandatory for all cruise ship crew members.
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What Is the PSF Course (Passenger Ship Familiarization)?

The PSF Course is a DG Shipping approved safety training program required for all seafarers who intend to join a passenger ship or cruise ship. Unlike standard STCW courses meant for merchant vessels, the PSF course prepares candidates to manage:

• Large groups of passengers

• Emergency situations on passenger ships

• Evacuation procedures

• Passenger safety and communication

• Crowd behaviour during emergencies

If you are looking for a PSF course near me, this guide gives you every detail before booking your seat.

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Who Needs the PSF Course?

The Passenger Ship Familiarization course is mandatory for:

• Fresher candidates joining cruise ships

• Waiters, bartenders, cooks, housekeeping staff

• Deck & engine ratings joining passenger vessels

• Hotel operations staff

• Entertainment & guest services crew

• Security staff

• Any crew responsible for assisting passengers during emergencies

No matter which department you join, PSF is compulsory for all cruise ship employees.

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Why Is the PSF Course Important?

Cruise ships carry thousands of passengers at a time. In case of fire, flooding, medical issues, crowd panic, or abandon-ship situations, crew members must know exactly how to respond.

The PSF course ensures you can:

• Control and guide large crowds safely

• Use life-saving appliances correctly

• Assist in evacuation

• Handle passenger panic professionally

• Communicate clearly in emergencies

This is why every cruise company checks for a valid PSF certificate during the recruitment process.

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Eligibility Criteria for the PSF Course

To enroll in a DG Shipping approved PSF course, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum Age

18 years

2. Valid Documents

• Passport (mandatory)

• INDOS number

• CDC (if available)

• Basic STCW course certificates (PST, FPFF, PSSR, EFA,STSDSD)

3. Medical Fitness

Candidates must have a valid DG Shipping medical fitness certificate.

The PSF course is particularly popular among students searching for cruise ship jobs, since it is mandatory for all hospitality and marine departments.

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Duration of the PSF Course

The PSF course duration is usually 2 to 3 days, depending on the institute and batch size.
Training includes:

• Classroom learning

• Crowd management demonstrations

• Passenger behaviour case studies

• Emergency role-play scenarios

This short duration makes it one of the quickest DG-approved courses for cruise ship job applicants.

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PSF Course Fees in India

The PSF course fees range from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, depending on the maritime institute and city.
Most candidates search for affordable PSF course near me, making it important for institutes to offer budget-friendly pricing.

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PSF Course Syllabus: What You Will Learn

The Passenger Ship Familiarization syllabus is designed according to DG Shipping and STCW guidelines. It includes:

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1. Passenger Safety Responsibilities

• Understanding the layout of passenger ships

• Location of muster stations

• Emergency exits

• Passenger responsibilities during drills

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2. Crowd Management

This is the core of the PSF course.
You will learn:

• Handling large crowds

• Avoiding panic and confusion

• Directing passengers effectively

• Communicating instructions loudly and clearly

• Leading groups to safety

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3. Emergency Behaviour of Passengers

This section helps crew understand:

• How people react during emergencies

• How to reduce fear and panic

• How to keep passengers calm

• How to maintain discipline

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4. Evacuation Procedures

You will be trained in:

• Passenger assembly

• Muster drills

• Lifejacket guidance

• Lifeboat boarding procedures

• Helping elderly, disabled or injured passengers

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5. Personal Safety and Communication

You will learn:

• Emergency announcements

• Safety briefings

• Public communication techniques

• Using alarms, signs and signals

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Benefits of Doing the PSF Course

1. Mandatory for Cruise Ship Jobs

Cruise companies require the PSF certificate before sign-on.

2. Faster Job Selection

Candidates who already have PSF are shortlisted faster.

3. Improves Safety Skills

You become confident in managing passengers in crowded and high-pressure situations.

4. Builds Leadership and Communication Skills

PSF training enhances your ability to command crowds efficiently.

5. Required for International Contracts

Cruise ships operate under strict STCW safety rules, making PSF compulsory worldwide.

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Who Offers the Best PSF Course Near Me?

When choosing an institute, check:

• DG Shipping approval

• Trainer qualification

• Classroom and safety facilities

• Affordable course fees

• Immediate batch availability

For students in Maharashtra searching for a PSF course near me, Anvay Maritime Institute offers:

• DG Shipping approved PSF training

• Experienced marine safety instructors

• Quick batch scheduling

• Budget-friendly course fees

• Documentation assistance

• Cruise job guidance

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Why PSF Is Different from Other Maritime Courses

Unlike technical courses such as FPFF, PST, or PSCRB, the PSF course focuses mainly on:

• Passenger behaviour

• Crowd psychology

• Public communication

• Passenger safety

It is not physically demanding and is suitable for all departments including hotel, catering, hospitality, entertainment, and housekeeping.

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How to Enroll for the PSF Course

The enrollment process is simple:

1. Contact the institute

2. Confirm available batch dates

3. Submit required documents

4. Get DG Shipping medical fitness

5. Complete payment to reserve your seat

Since PSF is in high demand for cruise job applicants, early booking is recommended.

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Conclusion

The PSF Course (Passenger Ship Familiarization) is one of the most essential DG Shipping approved courses for anyone planning to work on a cruise ship or passenger vessel. It equips you with the skills to manage crowds, handle emergencies, and guide passengers safely.

If you are searching for a PSF course near me, make sure the institute is DG Shipping approved and provides quality training with experienced faculty.

A valid PSF certificate increases your chances of getting selected for cruise ship jobs and ensures you are fully prepared for onboard responsibilities.