High Voltage Safety & Operations
Code high-voltage · STCW A-III/1, A-III/2
High Voltage Operation and Safety under STCW A-III/2 (operational and management level) — required of engineers serving on vessels with HV (>1 kV) installations. Electrical safety isolation, switching procedures, arc-flash hazards, permit-to-work systems for HV work, switchgear maintenance.
- Prerequisites
- —
- Duration
- 35 hours
- Validity
- 5 years
- Refresher
- every 5 years
- Typical cost
- ~$680 USD
Mandatory on most modern container, cruise, and offshore vessels.
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.
High Voltage Safety & Operations: FAQ
- What is the High Voltage Safety & Operations (HIGH-VOLTAGE) certification?
- High Voltage Operation and Safety under STCW A-III/2 (operational and management level) — required of engineers serving on vessels with HV (>1 kV) installations. Electrical safety isolation, switching procedures, arc-flash hazards, permit-to-work systems for HV work, switchgear maintenance. Referenced in STCW table A-III/1, A-III/2. Category: Engineering.
- Who needs HIGH-VOLTAGE?
- HIGH-VOLTAGE applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW table A-III/1, A-III/2. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without HIGH-VOLTAGE, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
- How long does HIGH-VOLTAGE take?
- Typical course duration is 35 hours (4.4 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 HIGH-VOLTAGE cost?
- Typical cost is around US$680 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 HIGH-VOLTAGE?
- HIGH-VOLTAGE 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 HIGH-VOLTAGE 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.