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 refresh, how often training is required and how to avoid falling out of compliance.

If you already understand which STCW route applies to your career, this blog helps you stay current and avoid unnecessary stress.

What Is STCW Refresher Training

STCW refresher training is required to keep certain safety critical certificates valid. It ensures that seafarers maintain practical competence in emergency response skills that can fade over time if they are not used regularly.

Refresher training is not about learning everything again from scratch. It is about proving that your skills remain sharp and up to date.

Which STCW Courses Require Refreshing

Not all STCW modules require refresher training. The courses that must be refreshed are those linked directly to emergency response and life saving duties.

These include:

  • Personal Survival Techniques

  • Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

  • Advanced Fire Fighting

  • Fast Rescue Boats where applicable

If your role includes responsibility for lifeboats, firefighting leadership or emergency coordination, refresher training is mandatory.

How Often Do STCW Certificates Need Refreshed

Most STCW refresher training is required every five years. This timeline applies where the seafarer has continued service at sea. If there has been a long break from sea service, additional requirements may apply.

Waiting until the last minute is risky. Courses fill quickly, and expired certificates can delay deployments or job offers.

How Do I Know When My STCW Is Due to Expire

The expiry date is shown on your certificate of proficiency. It is the seafarer’s responsibility to track this date, not the employer’s.

Many people only check their certification when applying for a role. At that point, it may already be too late to refresh without missing work.

A good rule is to check your certificates annually and plan refresher training at least six months before expiry.

Do I Need STCW Refresher Training If I Am Still Working at Sea

Yes. Continued service does not remove the need for refresher training. In fact, active seafarers are expected to demonstrate continued competence.

Refresher courses confirm that procedures are still understood and that any updates to best practice are covered.

What Happens If My STCW Certification Expires

If your STCW certificates expire, you may not be allowed to sail until training is completed. In some cases, expired certificates can lead to more extensive retraining rather than a simple refresher.

This is one of the most common issues SMT sees. It is also one of the easiest to avoid with proper planning.

Is STCW Refresher Training the Same for Every Role

No. Refresher requirements depend on your responsibilities on board.

For example:

  • Deck officers may need survival craft and advanced fire fighting refreshers

  • Engineering officers may focus on firefighting and emergency response

  • Crew without emergency command duties may only need basic refresher modules

This is why refresher training should always be chosen based on role, not assumption.

Why Refresher Training Still Matters

Emergencies at sea are rare, but when they occur, there is no margin for error. Skills like operating breathing apparatus, coordinating lifeboat launches or managing fire boundaries must be instinctive.

Refresher training reinforces confidence and correct habits. It also ensures seafarers are aligned with current procedures and expectations.

How SMT Approaches STCW Refresher Training

At SMT, refresher courses are designed to be focused, practical and respectful of experience. Trainers understand that delegates are often highly skilled professionals.

Training sessions concentrate on:

  • Practical demonstrations rather than long lectures

  • Realistic emergency scenarios

  • Clear explanations of why procedures matter

  • Updates on current maritime safety expectations

The aim is to refresh confidence, not overwhelm.

Recap

STCW refresher training is a requirement, not a formality. Knowing which certificates need refreshed and when they expire protects your career and avoids unnecessary disruption.

By planning ahead and choosing the correct refresher route, seafarers can remain compliant, confident and ready for work at sea.

Who needs STCW refresher training

Any seafarer holding safety critical STCW certificates must complete refresher training to keep them valid.

How often do STCW certificates expire

Most STCW refresher training is required every five years where continued sea service applies.

Do all STCW courses need refreshed

No. Only specific safety and emergency response modules require refresher training.

Can I work at sea with expired STCW certificates

No. Expired certificates can prevent deployment and may require additional retraining.

When should I book STCW refresher training

Ideally at least six months before your certificate expiry date.