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December 1, 2025

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.