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STCW revalidation

Most STCW certificates of competency and many proficiency certificates are valid for five years. To revalidate, you must demonstrate continued competence — usually 12 months of approved sea service in the previous five years, or 3 months in the previous six months — and complete refresher training where required. Plan ahead: revalidation cannot happen retroactively, and a lapsed certificate will keep you off a ship.

Step-by-step

  1. Track every certificate's expiry date in one place. Most flag states require renewal applications six months before expiry.
  2. Confirm the sea-service requirement of your flag (12 months in previous 5 years is most common; some flags accept simulator training or assessed onboard work as alternatives).
  3. Complete required refreshers: PSCRB and FRB every 5 years (practical session); AFF every 5 years; PST/PSSR per flag state policy.
  4. For tanker endorsements (basic and advanced oil/chemical/gas), revalidate per IMO Model Course timelines; flag states typically require recurrent training plus relevant sea time.
  5. Apply through your flag state's maritime administration with: application form, sea-service testimonials, refresher certificates, medical certificate, photograph, fee.
  6. If you have moved flag, request a Letter of Recognition (Endorsement Attesting Recognition under STCW Regulation I/10) from the new flag, presenting the foreign CoC.

Evidence to save

What NOT to sign

Legal basis

STCW Convention, Regulations I/11 (revalidation of certificates) and I/14 (responsibilities of companies). Manila Amendments 2010 introduced explicit refresher requirements for survival craft, fire-fighting, and tanker training. Flag-state competence to revalidate.

Primary sources

Related terms

Organisations that can help

Disclaimer. General information only — not legal advice. Rules vary by flag state, port state, vessel type, applicable CBA, and contract. For specific cases, contact ITF, ISWAN, your union, or a maritime lawyer.