Why STCW Refresher Courses Are Mandatory Every 5 Years (Updated 2025 Guide)

Why STCW Refresher Courses Are Mandatory Every 5 Years

Every seafarer working on ships, whether in merchant navy, offshore, cruise lines, or cargo vessels, must renew their safety certificates every 5 years. These are known as STCW Refresher Courses and include the PST refresher course and the FPFF refresher course.

Many seafarers search for PST refresher course near me, FPFF refresher DG Shipping approved, or STCW refresher validity, because without updated certificates, companies will not allow joining.

In this detailed guide, we explain why refresher courses are compulsory, what the DG Shipping rules are, which certificates must be renewed, and how seafarers can book these courses at a DG Shipping–approved maritime training institute.

What Are STCW Refresher Courses?

Refresher training is mandatory re-certification that ensures a seafarer’s safety skills remain updated. These courses update your knowledge in:

• Emergency response

• Survival at sea

• Fire prevention

• Live firefighting practicals

• Lifesaving appliances

• Personal safety responsibilities

Refresher courses are officially required under the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, which mandate that seafarers must show proof of competence every 5 years.

Why Are Refresher Courses Mandatory?

1. Skills Fade Over Time

Emergency skills like firefighting, survival techniques, CPR, and rescue procedures require regular practice.
Refresher training ensures you can confidently respond in real situations.

2. Maritime Safety Equipment Keeps Upgrading

Ships now use advanced:

• Lifeboats

• Fire suits

• CO₂ extinguishing systems

• Breathing apparatus

• Immersion suits

• Alarm systems

STCW refresher training helps seafarers stay updated with modern shipboard equipment.

3. IMO and DG Shipping Regulations

International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates refresher training every 5 years.
DG Shipping India strictly enforces this rule.
Without valid refresher certificates, your:

• CDC

• COC

• Company joining approval
  can be rejected.

4. Shipping Companies Demand Updated Certificates

Every shipping company, cruise line, and offshore employer requires valid:

• PST refresher

• FPFF refresher
  before joining.

Expired certificates delay joining and can result in contract cancellation.

5. To Maintain Onboard Safety Standards

A ship operates in unpredictable environments. Updated refresher training ensures:

• Safer operations

• Reduced risk of accidents

• Proper emergency coordination

• Compliance with international safety norms

Types of Mandatory Refresher Courses Every 5 Years

Seafarers must renew:

1. PST Refresher (Personal Survival Techniques)

Keywords included: PST refresher course near me, survival techniques refresher, DG Shipping PST refresher.

PST refresher updates:

• Life raft launching

• Survival craft boarding

• Water survival

• Distress signals

• Lifesaving appliances

2. FPFF Refresher (Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting)

Keywords included: FPFF refresher near me, firefighting refresher training, DG Shipping approved FPFF course.

FPFF refresher updates:

• Fire theory

• Use of hose & nozzle

• Breathing apparatus

• Live fire practical

• Fire team coordination

Only DG Shipping–approved maritime institutes can conduct these refreshers.

Who Needs STCW Refresher Courses?

All ranks must complete refresher training:

• Ratings

• Deck cadets

• Officers

• Engineers

• Motormen

• Technical crew

• Cruise ship staff

• Catering crew

• Galley & hospitality staff

Whether working on cargo ships, cruise lines, tankers, offshore vessels, or passenger ships—refresher courses are compulsory.

What Happens If Your STCW Certificates Expire?

If refresher certificates expire:

• You cannot join any vessel

• Company will hold your LOE

• Port agents will reject joining

• CDC and documentation fails

• You may have to repeat full STCW courses

• Joining delays can affect your income and contract cycle

Thousands of seafarers face joining cancellation every year for expired STCW certificates.

Benefits of Completing Refresher Training on Time

• Ensures uninterrupted employment

• Keeps your safety knowledge active

• Helps you qualify for promotions

• Avoids joining delays

• Keeps your profile valid on shipping portals

• Enhances emergency readiness

• Improves selection chances for cruise jobs

Many seafarers booking STCW refresher course near me do so to avoid last-minute emergencies.

DG Shipping Rules for Refresher Courses

As per DG Shipping India:

• STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years

• Only DG Shipping–approved institutes can conduct refresher training

• Seafarers must complete PST + FPFF refresher before joining

• Certificates are issued on the e-Governance portal

• Seafarers must undergo periodic medical fitness

Refresher training is compulsory for all active seafarers.

How to Enroll for STCW Refresher Courses in India

Step 1: Search for DG Shipping Approved Institutes

• STCW refresher course near me

• DG Shipping refresher course India

• PST refresher Mumbai

• FPFF refresher Navi Mumbai

Step 2: Check Seat Availability

Refresher courses fill fast—especially before joining seasons.

Step 3: Keep Documents Ready

• Passport

• CDC

• INDOS

• Old STCW certificates

• Passport photo

Step 4: Attend Practical and Theory Sessions

Courses include:

• Practical firefighting

• Survival craft sessions

• Emergency drills

Step 5: Receive Your Updated Certificates

Issued through DG Shipping online portal.

Conclusion

STCW refresher courses are essential for every seafarer’s career. They ensure compliance with IMO regulations, maintain your safety readiness, and prevent joining delays. Whether you’re a cruise crew member, merchant navy officer, engineer, or catering staff, completing the PST refresher and FPFF refresher every 5 years keeps your certificates valid and career secure.

With updated training and DG Shipping–approved certificates, seafarers remain prepared, employable, and aligned with international maritime safety standards.