STCW stands for: Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, it was ratified by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) in 1995. The basic entry level certification is abbreviated within the industry to Basic STCW 95 and comprises four modules (40 hour): 

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After the STCW-BT (Basic Training) course is completed, the staff will need to 'revalidate' their training certification by completing a refresher course (24 hour STCW-BTR), every five years. 

The Training Resources Maritime Institute (TRLMI) in San Diego CA is a good facility to take these classes.

https://www.maritimetrainingschool.com/basic-training 

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(STCW-BT)

https://www.maritimetrainingschool.com/basic-training-refresher (STCW-BTR)

Please contact Brad Julson (Supervisor of Technical Support) for more information.

Change

20230102 hb Email from Brad Julson "STCW is now a recommended course and not a required course.  We highly recommend the course and IODP will pay for the course, but it is not a requirement to sail for the technical staff."