Training and certification required for a career with the Merchant Navy

Welcome to SWMA’s section on Merchant Navy careers, training and certification.  Here you’ll find everything you need to know about what is required to work within the merchant navy and to progress in your career at sea.

If you are just starting a career at sea you will need the following mandatory courses:

STCW Elementary First Aid
STCW Personal Survival Techniques
STCW Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
STCW Proficiency in Security Awareness (as of 1st January 2014)

These courses are best taken as a 5 day combination course package, often referred to as STCW95 Basic Safety Training, ‘STCW Basic’ or ‘STCW2010’. SWMA have ensured that this is a more cost effective option for those beginning a new career in the maritime industry by offering a course package discount, which saves you over £200 on the individual module prices:

STCW-95 Basic Safety Training package

Additional recommended courses can include:

STCW Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
RYA VHF Radio
RYA Powerboat Level 2

What else will you need?

ENG1 Medical certificate – a pre-requisite check and sign off from an MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Authority) medical practitioner – Find your nearest approved doctor in the UK 

Seamans Discharge book and card – Click here for more information