If you are working at sea, or planning to, you will have come across proficiency in security awareness as part of the STCW framework. It is a mandatory requirement for many seafarers, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood certificates. We regularly speak to delegates who are unsure whether they need it, what it covers, or if it expires. At Stream Marine Training in Glasgow, we (Read More...)

Fast rescue boat training is a requirement many offshore and maritime workers are aware of, but not many fully understand. We regularly meet candidates who know they need FRB certification but are unclear on what the training involves, how it fits within STCW rescue boat requirements, or what level of responsibility comes with the role. At Stream Marine Training, we believe rescue boat competence should never be vague. (Read More...)

Across offshore, maritime and emergency response operations, the Coxswain role is becoming more clearly defined and more widely recognised. As vessels, offshore assets and renewable infrastructure grow in complexity, so too does the need for highly competent personnel who can take charge of survival craft, fast rescue craft and emergency response operations. At Stream Marine Training (SMT), we have launched our Coxswain course to meet that demand. This (Read More...)

If you hold a Medical Care On Board Ship certificate, keeping it valid is not optional. It is a regulatory requirement under STCW and a practical necessity for anyone responsible for medical care at sea. At Stream Marine Training (SMT), we regularly train seafarers who are unsure when their medical care certificate expires, what the refresher involves, and whether they actually need to retake the course. This guide (Read More...)

If you're looking to start a career in the offshore oil and gas industry, you'll quickly discover that OPITO BOSIET training isn't optional - it's your passport to working on offshore installations. Whether you're a complete newcomer to the sector or transitioning from another industry, understanding what BOSIET involves and why it matters will help you take your first confident steps towards an offshore role. This guide explains (Read More...)

The shipping industry is entering one of its most significant transitions in decades. As operators move away from traditional fuels, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are increasingly being introduced into vessel design and operation. These fuels offer environmental benefits, but they also bring new safety challenges that crews must understand before stepping on board. Future fuels are not just a technical issue for shipowners or engineers. They affect everyone (Read More...)

Offshore safety certificates are not a one time requirement. They are designed to be kept current, ensuring that the people working offshore remain competent, confident and ready to respond if something goes wrong. Every year, offshore workers lose job opportunities because a certificate has expired. In most cases, this is not down to lack of experience or ability, but poor timing. Understanding offshore safety certificate renewal requirements is (Read More...)

Shipping has always adapted to new fuels. What feels different this time is the pace of change. Methanol, ammonia and hydrogen are no longer experimental concepts. They are being introduced into operational fleets, and with that comes a shift in how crews are trained and assessed. The IGF Code already sets standards for gas fuelled ships. As the industry looks ahead to 2030, additional guidance around alternative fuels (Read More...)

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...)