STCW - Combi Refresher BST - AFF - PSCRB

The STCW Combi Refresher BST – AFF – PSCRB is an integrated refresher course that enables seafarers to renew their mandatory STCW certificates for Basic Safety Training (BST), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), and Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) in one combined program. The course is hands-on and fully compliant with the international STCW Convention and the Manila Amendments 2010.

Course duration: 4 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.549,00 (excl. BTW)

Questions or need help? Send an email or call 0031 118 463382

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About this course

STCW Combi Refresher BST - AFF - PSCRB

Introduction
Under the Manila Amendments 2010, it is mandatory for all seafarers to periodically refresh their STCW safety certificates. The STCW Combi Refresher BST – AFF – PSCRB offered by DRTC allows participants to complete all required modules efficiently in a single integrated training. Participants revisit key theoretical knowledge and practical emergency skills in realistic scenarios under professional supervision.

Objective
This refresher course is designed to renew and enhance the participant’s competence in firefighting, evacuation, and survival techniques at sea. Participants learn to prepare, launch, and operate survival craft, prevent and extinguish fires using breathing apparatus, and apply safety awareness, first aid, and social responsibility on board in accordance with STCW standards.

Target Group
This course is designed for seafarers working under the STCW Convention and the Dutch Seafarers Act who are required to renew their STCW safety certificates.

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Practical info

Entry Requirements
Participants must hold:

  • valid basic or refresher certificates for BST, AFF, and PSCRB
  • a valid medical certificate for seafaring
  • sufficient physical fitness to participate in practical exercises (including breathing apparatus, confined spaces, and exposure to heat)

Course Content
The training emphasizes practical skills and includes:

  • survival at sea and rescue operations
  • preparation, boarding, and launching of survival craft
  • fire prevention, use of breathing apparatus, and firefighting organization
  • execution and coordination of onboard firefighting operations
  • personal safety and social responsibility

Certification
Successful participants receive the following internationally recognized certificates:

  • Proficiency in Basic Safety Training (BST) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1 para. 2
  • Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/3, Section A-VI/3
  • Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/2-1, Section A-VI/2, Table A-VI/2-1

Validity
5 years

Duration
4 consecutive days

Participants
Minimum 8, maximum 12

Course Hours
08:30 – 17:00

Approval
Approved by:

  • The Netherlands ILT (Inspectorate for Environment and Transport)
  • The Belgian Maritime Authorities (EU)
  • The Marshall Islands Maritime Administration
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Day 1 - Basic safety and personal survival

The first day focuses on refreshing the core principles of the STCW Basic Safety Training. Participants review safe behaviour during onboard and offshore emergencies. Practical sessions include using lifejackets, distress signals, life rafts and survival procedures in the water. Under realistic conditions, participants experience the importance of calmness, teamwork and personal responsibility. The day concludes with a debrief and reflection on safe practices.

Day 2 - Firefighting and emergency response

The second day covers both basic and advanced firefighting principles (BST & AFF). Participants review theory on fire behaviour, prevention and extinguishing methods, followed by realistic practical drills with live fire. Communication, leadership and teamwork are key as participants practise command & control and team coordination during fire emergencies.

Day 3 - Advanced firefighting and rescue operations

The third day focuses on complex fire scenarios and onboard rescue operations. Participants practise victim search and rescue in smoke-filled environments, leading firefighting teams and using breathing apparatus. Training takes place in realistic ship mock-ups with simulated emergencies. Emphasis is placed on decision-making, safety and communication under pressure.

Day 4 - Survival craft and rescue boat operations (PSCRB)

The final day focuses on the use of lifeboats and rescue rafts. Participants review procedures for launching, manoeuvring and handling both free-fall and conventional lifeboats. Exercises include recovering survivors, communication during rescue operations and teamwork within the rescue crew. The course concludes with a full-scale offshore evacuation and rescue simulation.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Basic safety and personal survival
  • Day 2 - Firefighting and emergency response
  • Day 3 - Advanced firefighting and rescue operations
  • Day 4 - Survival craft and rescue boat operations (PSCRB)

High-quality facilities that make a difference

With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.

Lingepoort

Unique floating training vessel at the quay

Lingepoort

A converted inland vessel moored alongside our quay. It serves as a floating training facility offering a wide variety of realistic exercises, all within one integrated location.

Raft Basin

Realistic training with life rafts and water survival

Raft Basin

The ultimate training location for realistic water survival and life raft exercises.

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Realistic training with portable fire extinguishers for small fire scenarios.

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Realistic training with gas and liquid fires

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Intensive and realistic training in combating gas and liquid fires.

Classrooms

Theory and practice under one roof

Classrooms

The perfect environment for theory sessions, preparation, and evaluation of practical training.

Canteen

Enjoy a good meal and relax during your training days

Canteen

Provided by SEC Catering – your break moment with quality food and excellent service during training days.

GR Free Fall Lifeboat

The ultimate leap to safety

GR Free Fall Lifeboat

Experience the ultimate realistic exercise: step aboard our free-fall lifeboat and make a real drop from a ship together with an instructor. This training prepares you for real-life situations where knowledge and confidence in the equipment are essential.

GR Lifeboat

Realistic training in controlled conditions

GR Lifeboat

Train realistically in the launch and operation of a davit lifeboat, and build confidence during evacuations.

Unique floating training vessel at the quay

Lingepoort

What makes the Lingepoort unique is its versatility and realism. The vessel features several classrooms, a pool with a life raft, a boarding area, a HUET installation, and an inflatable boat. Our lifeboat, Fast Rescue Boat (FRB), and other rescue craft are also stationed here, allowing multiple training sessions to be conducted from one central location. In addition, participants can practice capsize drills, train with the CA-EBS, and learn to identify and enter hazardous or confined spaces.

Who is it for?

The Lingepoort is used by maritime and offshore personnel, inland shipping crews, emergency responders, and trainees who want hands-on experience in a realistic shipboard environment. The facility is suitable for both individual training and full-scale team exercises.

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What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can train on board the Lingepoort in activities such as:

  • Boarding exercises and water entry

  • Escaping and evacuating using the HUET installation

  • Using life rafts and inflatable boats

  • Operating the lifeboat, FRB, and other rescue craft

  • Performing capsize drills

  • Applying CA-EBS procedures in emergency situations

  • Identifying and safely entering confined or hazardous spaces

  • Hands-on training in a realistic shipboard environment

All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols and concluded with a debriefing, ensuring that participants not only master the procedures but also understand the underlying principles.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the Lingepoort for team training or custom programs?
Get in touch with us — we’ll be happy to discuss the options and create a tailored program that fully meets your needs.

Realistic training with life rafts and water survival

Raft Basin

At the Raft Basin, participants train in the use of life rafts and sea survival techniques. In this controlled water environment, trainees experience what it’s like to survive, cooperate, and remain calm during real emergency situations.

What makes the Raft Basin unique is the ability to practice realistic scenarios — from boarding an inflated life raft and trying different entry techniques to forming groups in the water and coping with limited visibility and stress.

Who is it for?

The Raft Basin is used by offshore and maritime personnel, wind industry teams, and emergency responders who may face sea evacuations in their line of work. It’s also an essential training environment for emergency response and safety courses where water survival is a key focus.

Bassin

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants train in areas such as:

  • Boarding a life raft from the water

  • Practicing different entry techniques (individually and as a team)

  • Group formation and teamwork in the water

  • Safe use of life jackets and survival equipment

  • Coping with stress, cold, and limited visibility

  • Basic water survival skills in emergency situations

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with a detailed briefing beforehand and a debriefing afterward. This ensures that participants not only master the actions but also understand their context and importance.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the Raft Basin for team training or customized programs?
Contact us — we’ll be happy to help design a program that fits your organization’s specific needs.

Practical training with portable fire extinguishers

Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area

Participants learn how to safely and effectively extinguish fires using handheld and portable fire extinguishers. Training takes place in realistic outdoor fire scenarios, allowing trainees to experience firsthand how different extinguishers work and what their limitations are.

What makes this facility unique is the hands-on approach to a variety of fire situations — from small liquid and gas fires to solid materials. Participants not only practice firefighting techniques but also learn to assess safety, distance, and the appropriate extinguishing strategy.

Who is it for

The Small Fire Extinguisher Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to know how to control small fires quickly and effectively.

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What you’ll practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:

  • Identify different types of fires and select the appropriate extinguishing agent

  • Use portable extinguishers (powder, foam, CO₂) effectively

  • Extinguish small liquid and gas fires

  • Approach safely and aim extinguishers accurately

  • Understand the limitations and capabilities of portable fire extinguishers

  • Ensure personal safety and assess risks during firefighting

All exercises are

Theory and practice under one roof

Classrooms

Our classrooms form the foundation of all our training programs. Here, participants prepare with theoretical knowledge, interactive presentations, and clear instructions before moving on to the practical sessions. The rooms are modern, well-equipped, and provide a calm, professional learning environment.

What makes the classrooms unique is their direct connection to our training facilities. This allows theory to be applied immediately in practice, ensuring an optimal learning experience for every participant.

Who is it for

The classrooms are used by all participants in maritime, offshore, and industrial training programs. Whether for short briefings or multi-day courses, they serve as both the starting point and the place for reflection and debriefing.

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What you’ll experience

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll take part in:

  • Theoretical instruction and presentations

  • Preparation for practical exercises

  • Safety briefings and procedural training

  • Interactive discussions and group assignments

  • Evaluation and debriefing of practical training sessions

  • Testing and certification

The classrooms are equipped with modern audiovisual tools and can be configured flexibly for both small groups and larger sessions.

For your organization

Would you like to combine customized or in-company training with both theory and practice?
Contact us — together we’ll design a program that aligns perfectly with your learning objectives.

Enjoy a good meal and relax during your training days

Canteen

The Canteen is your place to unwind — enjoy good food, a pleasant atmosphere, and the opportunity to share experiences. Catering is provided by SEC Catering, a regional company from Zeeland known for its fresh, flavorful dishes and flexible service.

Who is it for

Everyone participating in our training programs — from trainees and instructors to guests — is welcome in the Canteen to take a break, hold a meeting, or simply enjoy a meal.

Kantine

What you’ll experience

  • Fresh, locally sourced dishes provided by SEC Catering

  • Options for lunch, snacks, and drinks

  • Comfortable seating areas to relax between training sessions

  • An informal meeting space to share experiences and connect with others

For your organization

Would you like your training day to be fully catered, including food and drinks?
Let us know your preferences — together with SEC Catering, we’ll arrange everything from the menu to the timing.

The ultimate leap to safety

GR Free Fall Lifeboat

During this training, participants experience what it’s like to make a real free fall in an actual free-fall lifeboat. The exercise is carried out under strict safety conditions, allowing you to feel the impact of the launch and learn how to respond effectively after the water landing.

What makes this training unique is the combination of realism and safety. Together with an instructor, you perform the launch, practice the required procedures, and experience the conditions that may occur during an actual emergency.

Who is it for

This training is designed for offshore and maritime personnel who need to know how to act during an evacuation using a free-fall lifeboat. It is relevant for anyone working on installations or vessels equipped with this type of lifesaving craft.

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What you’ll practice

Our instructors guide you step by step through the safe execution of a free-fall launch. You’ll learn to:

  • Prepare and assume the correct seating and body position before launch

  • Communicate and work together inside the lifeboat

  • Perform the correct actions immediately after water impact

  • Follow procedures for starting and maneuvering the lifeboat

  • Maintain safety and orientation after evacuation

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with a detailed briefing beforehand and a debriefing afterward. This way, you not only learn what to do but also why — building confidence in the safe and effective use of the lifeboat.

For your organization

Would you like your team to be well-prepared for evacuation via free-fall lifeboat?
Contact us for group options or customized training programs.

Our instructors

The people behind the training.

Our experienced trainers challenge you to bring out the best in yourself. Our program coordinators are available to provide you with all information and to answer any practical questions regarding the training.

Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor

Let them convince you

Frequently asked questions

DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial sectors.

  • STCW – including Basic Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB/FRB), Medical First Aid, Medical Care and Security Awareness.
  • GWO – Basic Safety Training (BST) and individual modules such as Working at Height, First Aid, Fire Awareness, Manual Handling, Sea Survival and Enhanced First Aid.
  • NOGEPA – Basic Offshore Safety, Helicopter Underwater Escape (HUET), Sea Survival, Fire-fighting and specialised refresher courses.
  • BHV/First Aid/VCA – Basic and refresher courses in Emergency Response, First Aid and Safety Certification for all sectors.

See the current course overview on our website or contact drtc@drtc.nl for advice on the right training for your needs.

For seafarers and maritime professionals who must comply with international STCW requirements.

Yes, our STCW courses are recognised by the Dutch flag state (the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate – ILT). Each certificate includes the relevant STCW reference, ensuring international recognition.

We offer Basic Training (BT), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Medical First Aid (MFA), Medical Care (MC), Proficiency in (Fast) Rescue Boats (PSCRB/FRB), and Security Awareness/Designated Duties.

Most STCW certificates must be renewed every 5 years (depending on the module and sea time requirements). Check the course page for exact details.

Yes, a valid maritime medical certificate is mandatory for participation.

Bring valid identification, a medical certificate (mandatory), and swimwear/towel if the course includes a pool module. PPE and rescue equipment are provided by DRTC.

 

Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.

You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.

Not required, but possible. Call us for advice or available options at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

Yes, we can. You can request this when booking or contact us by email or phone. We will arrange a suitable hotel and package for your stay.

You can cancel your booking by contacting us via email or phone. For open enrolment courses you may cancel free of charge up to 5 working days before the start. For customised training you may cancel free of charge up to 14 working days before the start. If you cancel within those deadlines the full course fee will be invoiced.

Visit our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for more information, or contact us at +31 118 463 382 or email drtc@drtc.nl.

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