STCW Guide
What certificates
do you need?
Role-based certification requirements for superyacht crew. Know exactly what you need before you book.
Your Role
Select your position
Choose a role to see the certificates you need.
Certification Checklist
Certificates for Deckhand
€2,500 - €3,500/month · None for entry
Required (8)
All Roles
Certificate comparisonmatrix
See which certificates each role requires at a glance.
| Certificate | Deckhand | Steward / Interior | Chef | Engineer | Officer of the Watch | Captain / Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PST | ||||||
| FPFF | ||||||
| EFA | ||||||
| PSSR | ||||||
| PSA | ||||||
| ENG1 | ||||||
| PB2 | — | — | — | — | — | |
| VHF | — | — | — | — | — | |
| YR | — | — | — | — | — | |
| DST | — | — | — | — | — | |
| PWC | — | — | — | — | — |
Career Path
From entry levelto command
Estimated timelines, required certificates, and sea time at each career step.
Entry Level
Deckhand, Steward/ess, Chef
Junior Crew
Junior Deckhand, 2nd Steward/ess, Sole Chef
Senior Crew
Bosun, Chief Steward/ess, Head Chef
Officer
OOW, Chief Engineer, 1st Officer
Master / Captain
Captain, Master
Vessel Size
How requirements changewith tonnage
Certification requirements scale with vessel size. Larger vessels demand additional officer qualifications and management-level competencies.
Under 24m
<24m
Private yachts under 24m may not require STCW if not commercially operated.
Check flag state requirements. Charter operations always need STCW.
24m - 200GT
24m - 200GT
Standard commercial yacht. All crew must hold STCW BST.
Most superyacht positions fall in this category.
500GT
500GT
Larger yachts require additional officer qualifications.
Officers need full STCW operational level competencies.
3000GT
3000GT
The largest superyachts. Full management level qualifications required.
Requires management level CoC. Full STCW Chapter II/III compliance.
Stay Current
Renewal and validitytracker
Which certificates expire, when to renew, and where to find refresher courses.
No Expiry
These certificates are valid for life once obtained. No refresher training required.
Cost Comparison
Training pricesby region
Typical course prices by region. Prices are indicative and vary by provider.
| Course | UK & Ireland | Mediterranean | Caribbean & Americas | Southern Africa | SE Asia & Pacific |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STCW BST (5 day) | £850 - £1,200 | €900 - €1,400 | $1,100 - $1,600 | R8,000 - R15,000 | A$1,500 - A$2,500 |
| ENG1 Medical | £80 - £120 | €100 - €150 | $100 - $200 | R800 - R1,500 | A$100 - A$200 |
| AEC (Engine) | £750 - £1,000 | €800 - €1,200 | $1,000 - $1,400 | R10,000 - R18,000 | A$1,200 - A$2,000 |
| OOW Yachtmaster | £1,000 - £1,500 | €1,200 - €1,800 | $1,200 - $1,800 | R15,000 - R25,000 | A$1,500 - A$2,500 |
| Master 200GT | £1,500 - £2,500 | €1,800 - €3,000 | $2,000 - $3,500 | R20,000 - R40,000 | A$2,500 - A$4,000 |
Flag State Guide
Administrationrequirements
Which administrations accept which certificates. Plan based on where you will work.
MCA
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
United Kingdom
Requirements
Recognises
Most common flag for superyachts. Highest global recognition.
USCG
US Coast Guard
United States
Requirements
Recognises
Requires separate endorsement process. Additional security clearances for US waters.
AMSA
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Australia
Requirements
Recognises
Growing yachting market. Certificate recognition process can take 4-6 weeks.
RMI
Republic of Marshall Islands
Marshall Islands
Requirements
Recognises
Popular flag of convenience for superyachts. Straightforward certificate recognition.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about STCW and maritime certification.
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