STCW refresher training is one of the most common causes of confusion for seafarers. Many people know they need to renew something, but they are not always sure what, when or why. Others assume their certificate lasts forever, only to discover it has expired just as a job opportunity appears. This guide focuses on the most frequently asked questions about STCW refresher training. It explains who needs to (Read More...)

Offshore work is demanding, unpredictable and unforgiving when things go wrong. That is exactly why OPITO FOET training exists. As the offshore sector moves through 2026, refresher training remains a critical requirement for anyone returning to, or continuing work in, the oil, gas and offshore energy industries. FOET is not about learning something new for the sake of it. It is about proving that, when the pressure is (Read More...)

Offshore training has always evolved alongside the industries it supports. As vessels, installations and energy systems become more complex, the way people are trained has had to change with them. Today, that change is accelerating. Simulation technology is becoming more advanced, and artificial intelligence is starting to influence how training is delivered, assessed and improved. This shift is not about replacing instructors or removing practical training. Instead, it (Read More...)

Stream Marine Training is pleased to announce that we are now OPITO approved to deliver ERRV Crew Advanced Medical Aid, including Advanced Medical Aid Further. This latest approval strengthens our OPITO-accredited ERRV training suite and reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, industry-relevant emergency response and medical capability training for offshore personnel. The ERRV Crew Advanced Medical Aid programme is designed for crew members working aboard Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels who (Read More...)

Renewable energy continues to grow at pace across the UK and Europe, with wind playing a central role in that expansion. As projects increase in scale and complexity, so do expectations around safety and competence. One question comes up more than any other from people looking to enter the sector. Do you actually need GWO to work in renewables? The short answer is yes for most operational roles. (Read More...)

The end of the year is when people stop and take stock. Work slows down, routines break, and the question starts to surface. What do I want to be doing this time next year? For many, offshore work appears on that list. Better pay, structured rotations, and the chance to work in a sector that still values practical skills. January is when intention turns into action. It is (Read More...)

STCW training is often spoken about as if it is one single qualification. In reality, it is a framework that supports very different careers at sea. This is where confusion usually starts. People contact SMT every week asking the same questions. Do I need STCW for yachts? Is it the same for cruise ships? What about offshore vessels? Do engineers need different training? The short answer is yes. (Read More...)

Wind energy is no longer a future industry. It is already one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK and across Europe. With offshore and onshore wind projects expanding every year, demand for skilled technicians continues to rise. For people considering a career change, or those with existing trade skills, becoming a wind turbine technician is now a realistic and attractive option. This role combines practical hands (Read More...)

The maritime industry is changing again. Just as crews adapted from steam to diesel and later to LNG, a new shift is already underway. Methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are no longer concepts discussed only in boardrooms and pilot projects. They are being used on working vessels today, and their presence is reshaping what safe maritime training looks like. For seafarers, offshore workers and those entering renewable energy roles (Read More...)

Fire at sea is one of the most serious dangers any crew can face. There is no fire brigade to call, no crowd of responders arriving within minutes and no option to step outside while the situation is dealt with. The people on board are the only line of defence, which is why firefighting training sits at the heart of maritime safety. STCW Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (Read More...)