TheoryFree STCW Basic Safety Training Practice Test
Take a free STCW Basic Safety Training practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
STCW Basic Safety Training Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1What does the abbreviation STCW stand for?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
STCW is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, adopted by the IMO in 1978 and amended since.
Q2Which organisation adopted the STCW Convention?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The STCW Convention was adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping.
Q3Basic Safety Training (BST) is mandatory for which seafarers?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: All personnel assigned shipboard duties with designated safety or emergency responsibilities
Under STCW, all seafarers with designated safety, pollution-prevention or emergency duties must complete Basic Safety Training before being assigned shipboard duties.
Q4How many separate modules make up STCW Basic Safety Training?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Four modules
BST comprises four modules: Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.
Q5How often must seafarers normally refresh their core Basic Safety Training certificates?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Every five years
STCW requires seafarers to provide evidence of continued competence; core BST certificates such as survival craft and fire fighting are typically revalidated every five years.
Q6What is the primary purpose of an emergency muster list (station bill)?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: To assign each crew member their duties and station in an emergency
The muster list assigns every crew member specific emergency duties and the station to report to, so that response is organised and nobody is left without a role.
Q7On hearing the general emergency alarm, a seafarer should first:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Go to their assigned muster station with the required equipment
The general emergency alarm signals all crew to proceed to their muster stations with lifejackets and any assigned equipment to await instructions.
Q8What is the recognised general emergency alarm signal on board ships?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast
The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one prolonged blast on the ship's whistle and alarm system.
Q9A safety drill on board is intended mainly to:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Make sure crew can carry out their emergency duties quickly and correctly
Drills build familiarity so that, in a real emergency, crew react quickly and correctly without hesitation.
Q10Who has overall command and responsibility for safety on a ship?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The master
The master holds overall command and ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, crew, passengers and cargo.
Full STCW Basic Safety Training bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete STCW Basic Safety Training question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock STCW Basic Safety Training →