PST Course (Personal Survival Techniques): Be Ready for Any Emergency at Sea

Working at sea is one of the most rewarding yet unpredictable careers. While modern ships are equipped with advanced safety systems, the ocean remains an environment that demands respect, alertness, and preparation. In case of emergencies such as fire, flooding, or abandonment, every seafarer must know how to survive until rescue arrives.

This is where the PST course, also known as the Personal Survival Techniques course, becomes essential. Approved by the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), this safety training is a mandatory part of the STCW Basic Safety Training package and is required for anyone who wishes to serve onboard a ship.

If you are searching online for a PST course near me or want to understand how this DG Shipping safety course can prepare you for real-life emergencies at sea, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is the PST Course?

The Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course is designed to train seafarers in the fundamental principles of surviving at sea in case of emergencies such as ship abandonment, capsizing, or rescue situations.

It is one of the four mandatory STCW Basic Safety Training courses recognized globally under the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The course aims to ensure that every seafarer:

• Understands the causes of emergency situations.

• Knows how to use life-saving appliances correctly.

• Can abandon ship safely and survive in open water.

• Maintains calm and discipline while awaiting rescue.

In India, the course is conducted only at DG Shipping-approved maritime institutes such as Anvay Maritime Institute, which provides certified STCW safety courses for aspiring and experienced seafarers.

Why the PST Course Is Essential

Emergencies at sea can escalate within minutes. Knowing how to react correctly can save not only your life but also the lives of your crewmates. The PST course provides practical and theoretical training to handle situations like:

• Man overboard incidents

• Abandoning ship safely

• Survival craft handling

• Use of lifejackets and liferafts

• Search and rescue coordination

Without this personal survival techniques course, you cannot legally join a ship. It is mandatory for every deck cadet, engine cadet, or trainee seaman before obtaining their Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC).

Course Duration and Structure

The PST course generally runs for 2 to 3 days, combining classroom sessions with realistic practical exercises in water. At Anvay Maritime Institute, training is conducted using advanced survival equipment and modern simulation facilities to ensure every participant gains real-world confidence.

Theoretical Topics:

1. Principles of survival at sea.

2. Types of emergencies onboard ships.

3. Use of personal life-saving appliances.

4. Survival techniques in cold and rough water.

5. Actions to take while awaiting rescue.

Practical Training:

1. Donning a lifejacket and immersion suit.

2. Jumping from height safely into water.

3. Righting an inverted liferaft.

4. Boarding a liferaft from water.

5. Using survival equipment inside a liferaft.

6. Group survival techniques and signaling for rescue.

This DG Shipping safety course emphasizes teamwork, presence of mind, and decision-making under stress — qualities that every professional mariner must develop.

Eligibility for PST Course

To enroll in the PST course, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Minimum Age: 18 years

• Educational Qualification: 10th standard or higher

• Medical Fitness: A valid medical fitness certificate from a DG Shipping-approved doctor

• Documents Required:

  • Aadhaar card or passport

  • Passport-size photographs

  • Educational certificates

  • INDOS number 

The course is open to all individuals planning to start their maritime careers, as well as existing seafarers who need to renew their STCW Basic certificates.

Where to Find a PST Course Near Me

When you look for a PST course near me, it’s important to choose a training center that is approved by DG Shipping and offers practical, high-quality instruction.

Anvay Maritime Institute is one such trusted institute, providing:

• DG Shipping-approved STCW safety courses

• Experienced maritime trainers with real sea experience

• Modern training pools and safety equipment

• Simulation-based learning environments

• Assistance with e-Governance registration and documentation

Located conveniently for students across India, Anvay Maritime Institute ensures that every candidate receives hands-on exposure to real-life maritime situations.

Documents Required for Admission

Before joining your Personal Survival Techniques course, keep these documents ready:

• Aadhaar Card or Passport copy

• Educational qualification proof

• Recent passport-size photographs

• Medical fitness certificate from DG Shipping-approved doctor

• INDOS number 

Our support team at Anvay Maritime Institute assists all candidates with registration, documentation, and online verification on the DG Shipping e-Governance portal.

Career Benefits of Completing the PST Course

Completing your Personal Survival Techniques course is one of the most important steps toward becoming a certified seafarer. Here are some key advantages:

1. Mandatory for Ship Joining
   No seafarer is allowed to board a vessel without completing STCW Basic Training, including PST.

2. Enhances Survival Confidence
   You gain the knowledge and experience to react calmly and correctly in life-threatening situations.

3. Globally Recognized Certificate
   The STCW-approved certificate is valid across international shipping companies and recognized by all maritime authorities.

4. Foundation for Future Courses
   PST is a prerequisite for advanced maritime training programs and officer-level courses.

5. Boosts Employability
   Shipping companies prefer candidates who are safety-trained and capable of immediate response during emergencies.

Difference Between PST and PSCRB

While both courses deal with survival, they serve different purposes:

Beginners must first complete the PST course before taking advanced modules such as PSCRB (Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats).

Validity and Renewal

The PST course certificate remains valid for five years from the date of issue. After that, seafarers must complete the STCW Refresher Course to renew their qualification and continue sailing legally.

Renewal ensures that your survival skills remain current with modern safety practices and equipment updates as per DG Shipping guidelines.

Course Fees

The PST course fees vary slightly among institutes but generally range between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000, depending on location and facilities.

Anvay Maritime Institute offers affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of training, making it one of the most trusted choices for seafarers looking for a DG Shipping safety course in India.

Why Choose Anvay Maritime Institute

When it comes to STCW Basic courses, experience, infrastructure, and approval matter. Anvay Maritime Institute combines all three to provide the highest standard of maritime education.

Key Highlights:

• DG Shipping-approved PST course and other STCW modules

• State-of-the-art training pool and safety equipment

• Experienced maritime faculty

• Realistic survival drills and simulations

• Placement assistance and career guidance

Our mission is to prepare disciplined, safety-conscious, and confident maritime professionals who can handle any challenge the sea presents.

Conclusion

Emergencies at sea demand immediate and correct action — and that can only come through proper training. The PST course (Personal Survival Techniques) forms the foundation of every seafarer’s safety knowledge. It teaches life-saving principles, builds confidence, and ensures compliance with international maritime safety standards.

If you are ready to begin your maritime journey or renew your existing certification, enroll in a DG Shipping-approved PST course at Anvay Maritime Institute. Our expert instructors and realistic practical sessions will ensure you are fully prepared for any situation at sea.

Start your maritime career the right way — train with the best and stay safe wherever the waves take you.