This MCA-regulated Personal Survival Techniques course meets STCW Table A-VI/1-1 KUP requirements, ensuring seafarers can survive at sea during ship abandonment. It is one of five courses combined in STCW Basic Safety Training.
- Valid for 5 years
- Combines classroom instruction with practical training
- A core component of the STCW Basic Safety Training Course
- Practical exercises conducted in a professional swimming pool complex
- Essential for careers on commercial ships
- Delegates must be able to undertake survival exercises in water
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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About this course
This course includes:
- Instruction on basic principles and procedures
- “Dry” demonstrations of raft and equipment
- Practical wet drill
It covers the use of survival craft and associated equipment, as well as the actions each person should take to overcome or minimise immediate threats to life during every stage of a survival situation: before abandonment, during abandonment, and while aboard survival craft.
By the end of the course, delegates will:
- Know the main types of maritime emergencies
- Know the survival equipment used during a maritime emergency
- Understand the principles of survival during a maritime emergency
- Know how to abandon ship during a maritime emergency
- Know how to be able to survive in the water during a maritime emergency
- Know how to use a survival craft during a maritime emergency
To view the full course timetable click here.
All MRS Training & Rescue instructors who teach this course are existing rescue operators who deliver specialist rescue training for awarding bodies and internally accredited courses.
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.
There will be a maximum of 12 people on this course. There is a maximum instructor to candidate ratio of 1:24 for the theory and 1:8 for the practical exercises.
Certification/Accreditation
Delegates will undertake a practical training session and a written assessment.
On successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a printed MRS Training & Rescue certificate.
The course is regulated by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Those successfully completing the assessments will be issued with a certificate that is 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.
The course starts at 9am and finishes at approximately 5pm.
Yes - subject to our terms and conditions.
Yes, free parking is available at all our UK training centres for course candidates.
Entry requirements
Yes. Delegates should be aware of the practical aspects of the training and the physically demanding nature of the exercises involving swimming. MRS must be advised prior to the course starting if the delegate is not a strong swimmer or is unable to swim.
Yes. Delegates should bring:
- Swimming attire
- Lightweight clothing to wear under immersion suit - these will get wet
- Comfortable clothes for the classroom
Yes. Delegates must 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.
Delegates must also complete the STCW Delegate Registration Form and STCW Pre Course Medical Questionnaire prior to the start of the course.
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.
