STCW Stance

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has announced their stance with regards to maritime security operatives (guards) and STCW Basic Safety Training Courses.

The MCA policy for sea-going security guards is that they should hold as a minimum the STCW certificate in Personal Survival Techniques & the certificate in Personal Safety/Social Responsibility.

Please note, however, that there is no MCA requirement for them to hold either the First Aid or Basic Fire-fighting qualification.

It was felt by the MCA that the First Aid courses would be superfluous given the likelihood that former service personnel would have an enhanced knowledge of the subject. Also the fire fighting was not deemed necessary as external security personnel should not be involved within shipboard fire fighting teams.

The approach by the MCA is likely to be mirrored by the majority of flag States – however maritime security  providers are encouraged to liaise with specific administrations prior to boarding.

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