Courses
Find the course that gets you certifiedSAMSA-accredited STCW maritime training, OPITO-approved training, and port logistics training, services and consulting for the merchant, oil & gas, fishing, yachting and port sectors.
From First Certificate to a Career at Sea
Every course at STC-SA is a step in a career, from your first day in the pool to command-level qualifications. Whether you’re going to sea for the first time, renewing a certificate between contracts, moving into the offshore sector, or building specialist simulation skills, you’ll find the course, the schedule, and the support to get you there.
Course categories
STCW Safety Training
STCW Security
Ratings & Qualifications
Marine Communication
Specialised Tanker Training
OPITO Offshore Safety
Specialist & Simulation
Rescue & Industrial Safety
How our certification works
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) sets the qualification standards for personnel on seagoing ships. STC-SA’s STCW courses are accredited by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and because South Africa is an IMO-whitelisted nation, every STCW certificate issued here is recognised in IMO-whitelisted nations worldwide. Train here; work anywhere in the world.
Since 1991, OPITO has set the global standard for safety training in the oil and gas industry. STC-SA operates a fully approved OPITO training centre at our Durban campus, including a fully operational Helicopter Underwater Escape Training simulator.
Find your course
Basic STCW Safety Training Course
9 Days • Durban
Your first step to sea, the mandatory foundation every seafarer needs.
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
2 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Learn to survive at sea, and help others do the same.
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
3 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Confidence in the face of fire, trained in live conditions.
Elementary First Aid (EFA)
2 Days • Cape Town & Durban
The immediate response that saves lives at sea.
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
2 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Work safely, communicate well, and contribute to life on board.
PSSR: Bullying & Harassment (PSSR-B&H)
1 Day • Cape Town & Durban
A safe ship is also a respectful one.
Advanced Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (AFF)
4 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Take command when it matters most.
Advanced Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Refresher
2 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Keep your command-level certification current, don’t let it lapse.
Medical First Aid (incl. Elementary First Aid)
4 Day • Cape Town & Durban
The next level of medical capability on board.
Medical Care (MC)
5 Days • Durban
Lead the medical response on board, far from the nearest hospital.
Medical Care Refresher
3 Days • Durban
Revalidate your medical care competence.
Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
4 Day • Durban
Take charge of the lifeboat, and the lives in it.
Crisis Management and Human Behaviour
1 Days • Cape Town
Lead people through emergencies, calmly, decisively, safely.
Passenger Ship Crowd Management (PSCM)
1 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Your gateway to the cruise industry.
Crowd Management and Passenger Safety (CMPS)
1 Day • Cape Town & Durban
Calm, control, and clear direction when passengers need it most.
Safety Training for Personnel
1 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Front-of-house at sea, trained for safety, not just service
Security Awareness (SA)
1 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Every crew member is part of the ship’s security.
Designated Security Duties (DSD)
2 Day • Cape Town & Durban
Certified for a defined role in your ship’s security plan.
Ship Security Officer (SSO)
3 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Take responsibility for your vessel’s security regime.
Ship Safety Officer (SSfO)
3 Days • Durban
Champion a culture of safety on board.
Safety Officer: Fishing (SOF)
2 Day • Cape Town
Safety leadership for one of the world’s toughest working environments.
Able Seafarer Deck (ASD)
15 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Advance your deck career, from rating to able seafarer.
Able Seafarer Engine (ASE)
15 Days • Cape Town & Durban
Advance your engine-room career, certified competence below decks.
Skipper Port Operations
35 Day • Cape Town
Command in the port environment, a qualification that opens doors.
GMDSS General Operator's Certificate
10 Days • Durban
Certified to operate the world’s maritime distress and safety system.
GMDSS Refresher
5 Days • Durban
Bring your GMDSS competence back to full operational standard.
Short Range Communications Certificate (SRC)
5 Day • Durban
VHF radio competence for coastal waters.
Long Range Communications Certificate (LRC)
5 Days • Durban
Radio competence beyond the coast.
Aeronautical VHF Radio for Offshore Helicopter Operations
Cape Town
The radio link between vessel, platform, and helicopter.
Short Range Communications Certificate (SRC)
5 Day • Durban
VHF radio competence for coastal waters.
From Enquiry to Confirmed Registration
Step 1
Contact Student Administration by WhatsApp, email or phone to discuss your course, preferred campus and dates. We will place a provisional booking while you prepare your documents.
Step 2
Step 3
STC-SA Cape Town Course Schedule 2026
STC-SA Durban Course Schedule 2026
Cape Town Pricing Prospectus
Durban Pricing Prospectus
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear answers on recognition, accreditation, choosing a course, documents and booking arrangements. If your situation is more specific, Student Administration is ready to help.
Are STC-SA certificates recognised internationally?
STC-SA STCW courses are accredited by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). South Africa is an IMO-whitelisted nation, so STCW certificates issued here are recognised in IMO-whitelisted nations worldwide, subject to the requirements of the flag state and employer.
Is STC-SA approved for SAMSA and OPITO training?
Yes. STC-SA delivers SAMSA-accredited STCW training and operates a fully approved OPITO training centre at the Durban campus, including a fully operational HUET simulator for offshore safety training.
How do I know which course I need?
If you are new to maritime, the Basic STCW Safety Course is the usual starting point for a career at sea. For renewals, offshore work or specialist roles, send us your current certificates and career goal so our team can guide you to the appropriate course.
What documents do I need to make a booking?
You will need a certified copy of your ID and any supporting documents required for your selected course. These may include existing certificates, medical documentation or sea-service records. Submit them with your booking details, then confirm your place with payment. Cancellation and rescheduling terms are available in the relevant pricing prospectus and our Legal Notices.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Start with Basic STCW SafetyTaking your first step towards a maritime or offshore career? The Basic STCW Safety Course is the internationally recognised foundation. Contact our student administration team for a personalised route from where you are today to the role you want tomorrow.