As you approach your five-year STCW renewal, you might be wondering – what is the STCW Self-Declaration Route and how does it differ from the full day route.
If you’ve been active at sea, the Self-Declaration route can significantly shorten your time in the classroom. But what exactly are you declaring, and why isn’t every course available in this format?
What is an STCW Self-Declaration?
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) recognises that active seafarers perform safety drills regularly while on board. Under the STCW Manila Amendments, you are allowed to “self-declare” that you have maintained certain practical skills through onboard training and experience.
By signing this official MCA declaration, you are confirming that within the last five years, you have participated in drills on board IMO registered vessels that have met all the checklisted criteria of that self declaration form.
The Benefit: If you can sign this form, you can take a shortened “Route 1” refresher course, which usually lasts just half a day rather than a full day.
Which courses offer a Self-Declaration route?
Of the MCA courses we run, three have self-declaration routes, though for UPSCRB we provide the full-day version to ensure our students receive the most robust training possible.
- Personal Survival Techniques (PST) Refresher (Half-day with declaration).
- Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) Refresher (Half-day with declaration).
- Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) Refresher.
A Note on Fire Fighting (FPFF):
You might notice that Basic Fire Fighting (FPFF) does not have a self-declaration route. This is because the MCA requires all seafarers to undergo live, shore-based fire drills every five years to ensure they can still handle real heat and smoke—something that cannot be safely replicated during standard onboard drills.
View the self declaration forms on MSN 1865 from page 14 on the MCA website here.
Why we don’t offer Self-Declaration for PSCRB
We get asked a lot: “Why can I do a half-day for PST and AFF with you, but I have to do a full day for PSCRB?“
The answer comes down to safety, logistics, and the British weather.
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) is a highly technical, water-based course. While some providers offer a shortened “Self-Dec” version, we have made the decision to keep our PSCRB refresher as a full-day module for two reasons:
- The Weather Window: Water-based training is at the mercy of the elements. By scheduling a full day, we have a much larger “window” to wait for safe tide or weather conditions. This ensures you actually get the quality time on the water you paid for, rather than rushing a session in a 3-hour slot.
- Skill Mastery: PSCRB involves launching and recovering boats, some of the most dangerous operations at sea. We believe that an extra few hours of hands-on practice, regardless of your onboard experience, is a vital safety investment for your career.
Common “People Also Ask” (FAQs)
Can I sign the self-declaration if I’ve been out of work?
It depends. You must have been serving on board a vessel and participating in the relevant drills within the last five years. As long as you have applicable experience within that time, then yes. If you have been out of work over 5 years then you must take the full version of the refresher course.
My vessel doesn’t have an IMO number but we still complete drills. Can I still self declare?
No, you must have a valid IMO number to qualify for the STCW Self-Declaration route. Under MCA guidelines, the vessel must be IMO-registered to ensure it follows the strict logging and drill standards required by STCW/SOLAS. Without an IMO number, you cannot sign the declaration and must attend the Full Day Refresher training.
Why Official Numbers are not accepted:
- Standardised Logging: Vessels with IMO numbers are legally required to maintain official records of drills that meet international safety criteria.
- Audit Trail: Official registration numbers for smaller vessels or private yachts do not guarantee the same level of safety oversight required by the MCA.
- Training Requirements: If your vessel lacks an IMO number, training centres like ours are unable to verify your onboard competence, meaning the shortened “Updating” course is not an option.
Does Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) supersede Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)?
No. This is a common misconception. While AFF is a “higher” level of training, it does not replace the need to refresh your FPFF.
- FPFF Refresher: Focuses heavily on the practical elements of fire safety and hands-on drills.
- AFF Refresher: Is largely theory-based, focusing on command and control during fire emergencies. Because the two courses test different competencies (one physical, one managerial), the MCA requires you to refresh both individually.
Where do I complete my self declaration?
Most training centres (including us) will send you the form online as part of your joining instructions. You must complete this in time for the first day of your course. Without it, we cannot legally issue your certificate.
Does the MCA check these declarations?
Yes. The MCA (and Port State Control) can ask for evidence of these drills from you, which should be recorded in your vessel’s official logbook or your personal training record.
Can I get rid of my old certificates?
When you complete a refresher course, your new certificate does not “cancel out” the original. It acts as an update.
To remain compliant with MCA and port state control inspections, you must maintain a clear “trail of eligibility.” This means:
- Keep the Originals: Always retain your initial STCW “long course” certificates.
- The Paper Trail: When applying for a CoC (Certificate of Competency) or being inspected on board, you may be required to show the original certificate alongside every subsequent refresher.
- Digital Backups: We highly recommend scanning all original and updated certificates and storing them in a secure cloud folder, but always carry the physical copies with you.
Summary: Which route is right for you?
If you have been active at sea and want to get back to work quickly, the PST and AFF Self-Declaration routes are excellent options if you meet all the criteria. However, for courses like PSCRB, we believe the extra time spent on the water is worth its weight in gold.
At our centre, we don’t just tick boxes; we ensure you leave with the muscle memory needed to handle a crisis.
View our upcoming refresher course date and stay work ready.
