STCW-F Basic Safety (Fishing)

Code stcw-f-bsf

Basic safety training for fishing vessel personnel under STCW-F 1995, distinct from STCW A-VI/1 BST.

Prerequisites: —
Duration: 40 hours
Validity: 5 years
Refresher: every 5 years
Typical cost: ~$350 USD

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.

STCW-F Basic Safety (Fishing): FAQ

What is the STCW-F Basic Safety (Fishing) (STCW-F-BSF) certification?: Basic safety training for fishing vessel personnel under STCW-F 1995, distinct from STCW A-VI/1 BST. Category: Fishing.
Who needs STCW-F-BSF?: STCW-F-BSF applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without STCW-F-BSF, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.
How long does STCW-F-BSF 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 STCW-F-BSF cost?: Typical cost is around US$350 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 STCW-F-BSF?: STCW-F-BSF 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 STCW-F-BSF 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.

Found an error on this page? Report it →

STCW-F Basic Safety (Fishing): FAQ

What is the STCW-F Basic Safety (Fishing) (STCW-F-BSF) certification?

Basic safety training for fishing vessel personnel under STCW-F 1995, distinct from STCW A-VI/1 BST. Category: Fishing.

Who needs STCW-F-BSF?

STCW-F-BSF applies to seafarers in roles defined under STCW. No formal prerequisites are listed in our directory. Without STCW-F-BSF, operators may decline to roster you for the relevant duties.

How long does STCW-F-BSF 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 STCW-F-BSF cost?

Typical cost is around US$350 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 STCW-F-BSF?

STCW-F-BSF 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 STCW-F-BSF 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.