Introduction

The STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course is a fundamental component of the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) safety training. It is designed to equip seafarers, particularly yacht crew, with the essential skills and knowledge required to survive at sea in the event of an emergency. This training program, developed by Global Horizon Training Center, adheres to international maritime safety standards and ensures that participants gain hands-on experience in survival procedures, life raft management, and emergency response techniques.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the causes of emergencies at sea and the importance of preparedness.

• Demonstrate proper use of life-saving appliances such as life jackets, lifeboats, and life rafts.

• Apply survival techniques in various sea conditions, including cold water survival.

• Perform personal safety drills, including the correct use of distress signals.

• Understand search and rescue (SAR) procedures and their role in emergency situations.

• Recognize the importance of maintaining physical and psychological resilience during emergencies.

Organizational Impact

Organizations that invest in this training will benefit in the following ways:

• Enhanced safety and compliance with international maritime regulations.

• Improved preparedness of yacht crew to handle emergencies at sea.

• Reduced risks and liabilities associated with maritime accidents.

• Strengthened crisis management capabilities of crew members.

• Greater confidence among passengers and stakeholders regarding the crew’s safety competencies.

Target Audience

This course is essential for:

• Seafarers and yacht crew requiring STCW certification.

• Deckhands, officers, and captains working in the maritime industry.

• Individuals working on commercial vessels or luxury yachts.

• Personnel involved in offshore and marine operations.

Outlines

Day 1: Introduction to Personal Survival Techniques

• Overview of maritime emergencies and risk factors.

• Regulations and legal requirements under STCW.

• The importance of safety drills and emergency preparedness.

• The psychology of survival: mental resilience in emergencies.

Day 2: Life-Saving Equipment and Their Use

• Types of personal and group survival equipment.

• Proper use and maintenance of life jackets and immersion suits.

• Introduction to life rafts, their equipment, and launching procedures.

• Emergency distress signals (EPIRBs, flares, SART).

Day 3: Survival at Sea and Emergency Procedures

• Boarding and maneuvering life rafts in different sea conditions.

• Cold water survival strategies and hypothermia prevention.

• Rationing food and water in extended survival scenarios.

• Team coordination and leadership in survival situations.

Day 4: Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations

• Role of search and rescue operations in maritime emergencies.

• Communication and signaling techniques for SAR.

• Helicopter and vessel rescue procedures.

• Practical exercises in survival swimming and sea evacuation.

Day 5: Practical Assessments and Final Drills

• Simulation of real-life emergency situations.

• Practical drills on life raft boarding and water entry.

• Team-based survival scenario exercises.

• Final assessment and certification review.