Stay compliant with STCW 2010 regulations by refreshing your maritime safety skills. Our 2-day STCW Basic Training Update Package combines two essential courses for seafarers needing to renew their certification every five years.
- MCA-regulated and fully compliant with STCW 2010
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) refresher training
- Mandatory for maintaining emergency response competency aboard vessels
- Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
Russell Duff oversees safety, training, and business growth at MRS Training and Rescue's Southampton centre. A former Royal Navy Officer, he brings a wealth of maritime and leadership experience to the MRS team.
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Stuart Jackson is an expert mine manager with over 40 years’ experience in mining operations, safety management, and project leadership. He specialises in improving safety practices and operational efficiency in complex projects.
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Karl joined MRS Training and Rescue in 2015. Passionate about health and safety, he began as an associate rescuer, providing industrial rescue at a power station. Now a full-time rescue and trainer operative, Karl specialises in confined spaces and high-risk environments, trains the HART team, and maintains essential rescue equipment.
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Lindsey Speirs specialises in confined space training and Mental Health First Aid. Drawing on her background in mental health, challenging behaviour, and eight years of palliative care experience, Lindsey brings a unique combination of compassion and expertise to her role.
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Andy Watson has over 15 years’ experience in emergency response, training, and leadership. He was instrumental in establishing MRS Training & Rescue's Aberdeen centre, setting the standard for training and rescue services in the area.
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Drawing on extensive hands-on experience in confined spaces and working at height, Dan specialises in delivering bespoke training and emergency response solutions. He has worked on complex international projects and currently manages major contracts, ensuring the safety and preparedness of rescue teams across the UK.
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Liam Spencer is a high-risk rescue instructor and drone pilot at MRS Mansfield. He leads a team of 20, providing confined space training, consultancy, and drone inspections, while fostering strong client relationships.
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Rob Tune has 14 years of experience in high-risk industries including mining, water, energy, and nuclear. He oversees training quality, course development, and assurance, leveraging real-world insights to enhance learning.
Neil Fowkes has over 30 years of engineering and safety expertise. He specialises in confined space rescue, working at height, and international safety training—including offshore operations.
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Billy is the Senior SHEQ Manager at MRS Training and Rescue. After serving nine years in the Royal Air Force Fire Service, he transitioned into Fire Safety and Health & Safety instruction. A recognised expert, Billy is dedicated to driving continuous improvements in safety and health across the organisation.
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Derek Speirs began his career in the mining industry at 16, following his father's footsteps. After gaining extensive experience in mining and rescue operations, he joined MRS Training & Rescue in 2013 and swiftly rose through the ranks.
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Matt has six years of experience in delivering confined space, work at height, and STCW training. He combines his expertise in rescue operations and site consultations to help organisations maintain the highest safety standards.
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A former prison officer with expertise in riot control and hostage negotiation, Steve now leads rescue operations and delivers specialist training—while pursuing advanced safety and management qualifications.
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Ross Graham has a background in emergency response, offshore operations, and health & safety training. He plays a key role in developing industry-leading training programmes and helms operational teams in high-risk environments.
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About this course
This STCW Basic Training Update course package provides comprehensive practical training in both personal survival and firefighting skills, ensuring you are prepared for emergencies at sea. The two courses included are:
- Personal Survival Techniques
You will learn essential survival techniques, including:
- Proper use of life jackets and life rafts
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- How to stay afloat and survive in the water
- Techniques for maximising chances of rescue in open water
This hands-on STCW training will equip you with the knowledge and skills to respond confidently and safely during a maritime emergency.
- Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
As part of this Updated STCW FPFF course, you will engage in practical exercises covering:
- Fire prevention methods and safe practices
- Use of firefighting equipment and breathing apparatus
- Fire extinguishing techniques and teamwork during firefighting operations
The training will take place at our fully equipped Fire Training Facility, with assessments conducted through direct observation, oral questioning, and simulated scenarios.
Both courses are delivered by experienced instructors who are experts in their respective fields. Our trainers have extensive experience in maritime safety, survival techniques, and firefighting procedures.
They are committed to ensuring that each participant gains the necessary confidence and competence to handle emergencies effectively at sea.
All undertake, as a minimum, the Level 3 Approved Educational Training package (or equivalent) and the City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, to assess in both the work based and vocational arenas.
Trainer to delegate ratios for each STCW course are as follows:
- Personal Survival Techniques - 1:8 for practical and 1:24 for theory
- Updated Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting – 1:4 for practical and 1:24 for theory
Certification/Accreditation
On successful completion of the course, delegates will receive two printed MRS Training & Rescue certificates – one for each course completed.
The courses are regulated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and are in line with the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping.
Those successfully completing the assessments for Personal Survival Techniques and the Updated Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting will be issued with certificates which are each valid for 5 years.
The MRS Training & Rescue certificate will be provided to successful candidates at the end of the course.
Payments
If you book this course online, you can pay by debit or credit card.
If you wish to pay via an invoice, please enquire about the course and our team will contact you to complete the booking.
Course materials, refreshments and a light lunch are provided.
After booking
Joining instructions are sent by email – which are usually received on the same day but always within 48 hours of booking.
Courses start at 9am and finish at approximately 5pm each day.
Yes - subject to our terms and conditions.
Yes, free parking is available at all our UK training centres for course candidates.
Entry requirements
The course is physically demanding, so delegates must be well and fit enough to undertake several firefighting exercises that include the wearing of breathing apparatus.
Key health conditions to consider include heart disease, respiratory issues (e.g., asthma), high blood pressure, epilepsy, vertigo, impaired limb function, uncorrected vision problems, and any substance dependencies.
If unsure, employers should arrange a medical assessment. We reserve the right to refuse training to those deemed medically unfit.
Yes. Delegates should be clean shaven as the firefighting part of the course includes the wearing of breathing apparatus.
Yes. Delegates will require:
- Coveralls/clothes to be worn under fire uniform (this may get smoky)
- Long socks
- Swimming attire
- Lightweight clothing to wear under immersion suit - these will get wet
- Comfortable clothes for the classroom
Yes. All delegates must complete the mandatory forms (STCW Delegate Registration Form and STCW Pre Course Medical Questionnaire) in the links provided in our joining instructions email. These must be returned to MRS Training & Rescue no later than 16:00 on the day prior to the course commencing.
Furthermore, delegates must hold one of the valid certificates detailed in Annex A on pages 11-12 of the document here. A copy must be provided to us no later than 16:00 on the day prior to the course commencing.
Delegates must also provide government issued photo identification on their day of training. This is a mandatory requirement. Failure to provide this ID will prevent the delegate from taking the training until verification can be made.
Yes. Due to the nature of the training course and the emphasis placed on communication, there is only a provision for the assessments to be undertaken in English. Therefore English proficiency is required.
