Basic Safety Training
Code bst · STCW A-VI/1
Basic Safety Training under STCW A-VI/1 — four mandatory modules: personal survival techniques (PST), fire prevention and fire-fighting (FPFF), elementary first aid (EFA), and personal safety and social responsibilities (PSSR). Required of every seafarer with designated duties on a sea-going ship. Refresher in PST and FPFF every five years; EFA and PSSR are one-time.
- Prerequisites
- —
- Duration
- 40 hours
- Validity
- 5 years
- Refresher
- every 5 years
- Typical cost
- ~$400 USD
Refresher required every 5 years for PSSR is permissive; survival and firefighting modules are mandatory refresher.
Where to take this course
Country guides list accredited training centres in the major seafarer-supplying nations:
Related glossary terms
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade. Data sources and methodology: /sources.
Basic Safety Training: FAQ
- What is the Basic Safety Training (BST) certification?
- Basic Safety Training under STCW A-VI/1 — four mandatory modules: personal survival techniques (PST), fire prevention and fire-fighting (FPFF), elementary first aid (EFA), and personal safety and social responsibilities (PSSR). Required of every seafarer with designated duties on a sea-going ship. Refresher in PST and FPFF every five years; EFA and PSSR are one-time. Referenced in STCW table A-VI/1. Category: STCW Basic.
- Who needs BST?
- BST applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-VI/1. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without BST, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does BST take?
- Typical course duration is 40 hours (5 working days at 8h/day). This is face-to-face or blended-learning time at an approved training centre; revalidation refresher courses are usually shorter. Plan against your sea leave window before booking.
- How much does BST cost?
- Typical cost is around US$400 at an approved provider. Cost varies widely by country and training centre quality; many shipping companies cover the course fee as part of the contract. Check with your manning agent or fleet department before paying out of pocket.
- Where can I get BST?
- BST is delivered by approved training centres in most major maritime training countries. Use our /training-centres directory and the certifications-by-country filters to find an approved provider near you. The flag administration of your seaman's book may also publish a list of accepted providers.
- How long is BST valid?
- 5 years from issue, with a refresher required every 5 years. Plan your revalidation course before the expiry date; lapsed certificates may require re-sitting the full course rather than a refresher, and operators may refuse to extend a contract while a critical certificate is expired.