How the STCW Exam or Course Can Propel Your Career as a Mariner

May 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Are you a mariner who wants to make more money and increase job opportunities? If so, you may want to consider taking an STCW course leading to an STCW exam to become certified. The certification process takes a few months and it can be a great way to increase your knowledge of the work you do and provide many more options to move up to positions with more responsibility and pay.  

visit us at:  http://www.stcwonline.com/

Becoming Certified as STCW Mariner  

The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, started to wonder if there should be a regulatory standard for mariners traveling outside of the United States. With consultation from other countries, the IMO decided that setting a standard in the form of certification could greatly improve the safety of vessels in the United States and overseas. In 1984, The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) completed the training and regulation requirements for certified mariners.  

The purpose of the STCW is to ensure all mariners have the knowledge and skills they need to work on various sea crafts throughout the world. With a designated standard, countries will know that certified mariners are aware of their safety practices and trust them to conduct their business.  

Anyone working as merchant mariners can become STCW certified. This includes officers, medical professionals, and engineers. Mariners in charge of security are greatly encouraged to seek certification due to the amount of knowledge they will receive from training.  


The main STCW course that will provided includes Basic Safety Training. This includes rescue boat and vessel familiarization training. Those who successfully complete Basic Safety Training will go on to advanced fire fighter training. Upon completion of all courses, mariners can then go on to take the STCW exam for certification.  

With an STCW certificate, you will be able to work as a mariner in international waters. You will be able to work for other countries or for United States companies with vessels traveling internationally.  

By having STCW certification, you show you have the authority to do more as a mariner, which can mean a lot for your career. Many more vessels work internationally, and no matter where you live, you will have mariner jobs to seek.  

Seeking STCW Certification  Are you ready to become STCW certified? You must take the STCW course to learn all you need to know for the STCW exam.  

Once in a while, the STCW updates their training requirements. For example, the last update from 2010 just went into effect on January 1, 2012. This means that  if you have not yet done so, you will have to take course refreshers or complete new training requirements.  

Those certified already have until 2017 to complete the new training and refreshers. As long as you are in the field and know of the updates, you will have plenty of time to complete what you need to do to remain STCW compliant.

 If you’re interested in starting the STCW certification process, consider taking online courses. STCW Online is the #1 source for STCW certification preparation with courses, practice exams, and provide a wealth of information. To find out more, visit the website or call 866-610-0410 today.

http://www.stcwonline.com/