This course is physically demanding. Candidates must be physically fit and meet the standard entry requirements for entry into the Merchant Navy.

The course follows a standard programme. The course delivers a basic knowledge and practice of survival techniques and principles that can be applied to maximise the probability of survival following a marine casualty.

The course will address the following:

• Actions prior to abandonment of the vessel
• Basic principles of survival
• Types of survival equipment provided on board ships
• Training and drills
• Correct use of the lifejacket and entering the water from a height
• Launching of a liferaft.
• Righting of a capsized liferaft
• Wet and dry boarding of a liferaft
• Bringing aboard an injured casualty
• Hypothermia and other medical factors
• Liferaft first aid
• Liferaft equipment
• Actions to aid location by rescuers

Training is delivered through a combination of theory and practical sessions.

Course duration is one day.

This course is normally run on a Tuesday and is day 2 of a 4 day STCW Basic Safety Courses programme

• Monday: STCW Elementary First Aid.
• Tuesday: STCW Personal Survival Techniques.
• Wednesday: STCW Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities.
• Thursday: STCW Ship Security Awareness.

The above courses are mandatory for all seafarers in all roles aboard and must renewed every 5 years.