Regulatory basis
- STCW 2010 Regulation VI/1
- STCW Code Section A-VI/1-1
- IMO Model Course 1.19
STCW Basic & Advanced
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Personal Survival Techniques (PST) prepares every seafarer to survive at sea following an abandon-ship situation. The course combines theory with hands-on water drills and is mandatory before first sea service under STCW.
Target audience
- All seafarers on seagoing ships, prior to being assigned shipboard duties
Prerequisites
- Medical fitness certificate
- Ability to swim (locally required)
Learning objectives
What you'll be able to do
Survive at sea in the event of ship abandonment
Don a lifejacket and immersion suit correctly
Safely jump from a height into the water
Right an inverted liferaft while wearing a lifejacket
Operate survival craft equipment, including EPIRBs and SARTs
Course content
Modules & topics
Indicative module breakdown — actual delivery is adapted to the audience and operational context.
01
Emergencies & survival principles
- Types of emergency
- Value of training and drills
- Personal protective equipment
02
Evacuation
- Muster & abandon-ship signals
- Evacuation routes
- Embarkation procedures
03
Survival craft & rescue boats
- Liferafts and lifeboats
- Launching arrangements
- Equipment and rations
04
Personal survival at sea
- Hypothermia prevention
- Use of immersion suits & TPAs
- Action in the water
Assessment
Practical demonstration in a pool/sheltered water plus a written knowledge test.
Certification
STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques. Refresher required every 5 years.
References & further reading
Authoritative sources
This course aligns with international maritime conventions and IMO Model Courses. Use these references for detailed regulatory text.
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View course details Interested in this course?
Request open-enrolment dates, an in-house quotation, or on-board delivery for your fleet. We respond within 2 business days.
Alternatively, send us a direct email at captmohab@googlemail.com