Do I need to be able to swim to pass the STCW safety course?

Yes, swimming ability is required for the personal survival techniques module. You must be able to swim at least 50 metres and tread water for 5 minutes while wearing a life jacket. If you are not a confident swimmer, consider taking swimming lessons before the course.

What happens if I fail one of the practical assessments?

You will usually be given one opportunity to retake the failed assessment, often on the same day or within a few days. If you fail again, you may need to retake the entire module. It is important to practice the skills and ask your instructor for feedback if you are unsure.

Can I take this course online?

The theoretical parts can be studied online, but the practical assessments must be completed in person at an approved training centre. You will need to attend a centre for firefighting, life raft drills, and first aid practicals. Some providers offer blended learning, where theory is online and practical is in-centre.

Is this qualification recognised internationally?

Yes, the STCW standards are recognised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and are mandatory for seafarers worldwide. However, you should check with the maritime authority of the country where you intend to work, as some may have additional requirements.

What career paths can I pursue after completing this award?

This qualification is the first step towards becoming a deck officer, engineer, or rating. You can progress to the STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, then to more advanced courses like the STCW Advanced Firefighting or Medical First Aid. Many students go on to study for an HND or degree in maritime studies.

Maritime Security

Q: How long is the FAQ Level 2 Award in Maritime Studies STCW Safety valid for?

This qualification does not expire, but the STCW Basic Safety Training certificate, which includes these modules, must be refreshed every 5 years. However, employers may require you to take refresher training more frequently to ensure your skills are up to date.

FUTURE (AWARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS) LTD

vocational

This subtopic covers the identification and response to maritime security threats such as piracy, terrorism, stowaways, and smuggling, in line with the STCW framework. Learners develop practical skills to maintain a secure vessel through access control, vigilance, and adherence to the Ship Security Plan (SSP) and company procedures. The focus is on proactive risk awareness and appropriate actions during security incidents, ensuring personal and crew safety while protecting the maritime environment.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

FAQ Level 2 Award In Maritime Studies STCW Safety (QCF)

Topic Overview

The FAQ Level 2 Award in Maritime Studies STCW Safety (QCF) is a foundational qualification for anyone entering the maritime industry. It covers essential safety knowledge and skills required under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). This includes personal survival techniques, fire prevention and firefighting, elementary first aid, and personal safety and social responsibilities. Mastery of these topics is critical for ensuring the safety of oneself and others at sea, and it is a mandatory requirement for all seafarers before serving on a vessel.

This qualification is part of the Motor Vehicle & Transport sector, specifically within Future (Awards and Qualifications) Ltd QCF framework. It provides the basic safety training that underpins all further maritime study and practical experience. Understanding these principles not only helps students pass assessments but also prepares them for real-world emergencies at sea. The course is designed to be practical and scenario-based, ensuring that students can apply their knowledge effectively in high-pressure situations.

By completing this award, students demonstrate their competence in key safety areas that are internationally recognised. This qualification is often the first step towards more advanced maritime certifications, such as the STCW Basic Safety Training certificate. It is essential for anyone pursuing a career as a deck officer, engineer, or rating, and it instils a safety-first mindset that is vital in the maritime environment.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Personal Survival Techniques: Understanding how to use life-saving appliances, including life jackets, life rafts, and immersion suits. Students must know the correct procedures for abandoning ship, survival at sea, and helicopter rescue.
→Fire Prevention and Firefighting: Knowledge of fire chemistry, classes of fire, and appropriate extinguishing agents. Practical skills include using fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and breathing apparatus, as well as firefighting techniques in enclosed spaces.
→Elementary First Aid: Basic life support, including CPR, recovery position, and control of bleeding. Students learn to treat common maritime injuries such as burns, fractures, and hypothermia, and how to use a first aid kit.
→Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities: Understanding shipboard safety regulations, emergency procedures, and the importance of teamwork. This includes knowledge of safety signs, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the effects of drugs and alcohol on safety.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Know the principle types of maritime safety and security risks; Know how to contribute to maintaining safety and security in a maritime environment; Know what to do in the event of a safety and security risk; Understand the importance of following organisational safety and security procedures.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for accurately identifying at least three distinct types of maritime security risks (e.g., piracy, terrorism, cargo theft) with clear, real-world examples.
Credit demonstration of knowing how to contribute to security by describing specific actions such as performing security patrols, challenging unidentified persons, and reporting suspicious behaviour.
Look for evidence of appropriate response in a security scenario, including immediate notification, raising alarms, and following emergency procedures without endangering self or others.
Assess understanding of the importance of procedures by explaining consequences of non-compliance, such as security breaches, legal liability, or vessel detention.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Always relate your answers to the STCW Code and the ISPS Code, using terminology such as Security Level 1, 2, 3, and Declaration of Security (DoS).
💡For scenario-based questions, structure your response around: identification of risk, immediate actions to protect life and the vessel, communication protocols, and post-incident reporting.
💡Emphasize the importance of drills and training, showing that you understand how regular exercises embed correct responses and highlight gaps in security.
💡When explaining the importance of procedures, link each point directly to potential real-world consequences, such as legal penalties, environmental damage, or reputational harm to the shipping company.
💡In practical assessments, examiners look for clear communication and teamwork. Always announce your actions and coordinate with others during drills, such as firefighting or lifeboat launching. This demonstrates leadership and awareness.
💡For written exams, focus on the sequence of steps in emergency procedures. For example, when answering about abandoning ship, list the order: don life jacket, proceed to muster station, follow instructions, and enter water correctly. Marks are awarded for logical order.
💡Know your fire extinguisher colour codes and the types of fires they are used for. A common question is matching extinguisher types to fire classes (e.g., CO2 for electrical fires). Remember: water (red) for Class A, foam (cream) for A and B, dry powder (blue) for A, B, and C, and CO2 (black) for B and electrical.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Confusing safety risks (e.g., fire, flooding) with security risks (e.g., piracy, stowaways) and failing to distinguish prevention and response measures.
Assuming that security is solely the responsibility of the Ship Security Officer (SSO) rather than the duty of all crew to maintain vigilance and report concerns.
Overlooking the need to follow the Ship Security Plan (SSP) precisely, or believing that improvisation is acceptable during a security incident.
Failing to maintain confidentiality of security-sensitive information, such as access codes or patrol routines, when discussing procedures.
Many students think that firefighting at sea is the same as on land. In reality, maritime firefighting involves unique challenges like limited escape routes, smoke movement in confined spaces, and the need for specialised equipment like firefighting suits and breathing apparatus.
A common mistake is assuming that survival techniques are intuitive. For example, students often forget that entering the water from a height requires a specific technique to avoid injury, and that staying together in a group in a life raft increases chances of rescue.
Students sometimes believe that first aid at sea is identical to land-based first aid. However, maritime first aid must account for delays in evacuation, limited medical supplies, and environmental factors like seasickness or hypothermia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•There are no formal prerequisites for this qualification, but a basic understanding of health and safety principles is beneficial. Students should be physically fit to participate in practical drills, such as swimming and firefighting exercises.
•It is helpful to have some knowledge of maritime terminology, such as port, starboard, bow, and stern, as these terms are used throughout the course.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Know the principle types of maritime safety and security risks; Know how to contribute to maintaining safety and security in a maritime environment; Know what to do in the event of a safety and security risk; Understand the importance of following organisational safety and security procedures.

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Maritime Security

Assessment criteria

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Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

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