STCW Basic Safety Training Study Guide
Study for the STCW Basic Safety Training with exam topics, practice questions, a free PDF, video walkthrough and timed mock exam links.
How to study for STCW Basic Safety Training
- Read the topic list so you know what the exam is likely to cover.
- Answer the free practice questions and read every explanation.
- Download the PDF for offline review.
- Use timed mock exams when your untimed practice feels comfortable.
Topics to review
- Personal survival techniques
- Fire prevention and firefighting
- Elementary first aid at sea
- Personal safety and social responsibility (PSSR)
Try STCW Basic Safety Training questions now
Q1What does the abbreviation STCW stand for?
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✓ 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?
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✓ 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?
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✓ 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?
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✓ 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?
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✓ 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)?
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✓ 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.
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