STCW - Combi Refresher BST - AFF - PSCRB + FRB

Since the implementation of the Manila Amendments 2010, refresher training has become mandatory for the courses Basic Safety Training (BST), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB), and Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB). With the STCW Combi Refresher from DRTC, you can meet all these refresher requirements in one integrated training program. The course is practice-oriented, fully compliant with international STCW standards, and ensures that your certificates remain valid.

Course duration: 5 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 2.283,00 (excl. BTW)

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

Select a Start Date

No course
Full
Available
Selected

Select location

Select course

About this course

STCW Combi Refresher BST - AFF - PSCRB - FRB

Introduction
The STCW Combi Refresher BST (Basic Safety Training) – AFF (Advanced Fire Fighting) – PSCRB (Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats) – FRB (Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats) is designed for seafarers who need to renew their existing certificates. Since the implementation of the Manila Amendments 2010, these courses are subject to mandatory five-year refresher training. This combined program ensures full compliance with the STCW Convention and maintains proven competence in personal safety, firefighting, rescue operations, and the use of fast rescue boats.

Objective
Upon successful completion of the STCW Combi Refresher BST – AFF – PSCRB – FRB, participants will possess the knowledge and skills required in basic and advanced firefighting, personal safety and social responsibility, survival at sea, and first aid on board. In addition, participants will be proficient in preparing, launching, and operating both survival craft and fast rescue boats.

Target group
This course is intended for all seafarers serving on vessels subject to the STCW Convention and the Dutch Seafarers Act who need to renew their certificates for Basic Safety Training, Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft, and Fast Rescue Boats.

173
Practical info

Entry requirements
Participants must hold:

  • The relevant, valid basic or refresher certificates and a valid Certificate of Competence

  • A valid medical certificate for seagoing service

  • Good health and physical fitness to safely participate in practical exercises (including the use of breathing apparatus, confined space operations, and exposure to heat)

Course content
The course focuses on practical exercises and realistic scenarios, including:

  • Survival at sea and conducting rescue operations

  • Preparation, embarkation, and launching of survival craft

  • Launching, maneuvering, and recovery of fast rescue boats

  • Fire prevention and firefighting, including the use of breathing apparatus

  • Organization, leadership, and execution of firefighting operations

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the following certificates:

  • Proficiency in Basic Safety Training (BST) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1, par. 2

  • Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/3, Section A-VI/3

  • Proficiency in Survival Craft (PSCRB) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/2-1, Section A-VI/2, Table A-VI/2-1

  • Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB) Refresher, STCW Reg. VI/2-2, Section A-VI/2, Table A-VI/2-2

Validity
Five years.

Course duration
Five consecutive working days.

Number of participants
Minimum of 8 and maximum of 12 participants.

Course hours
08:30 – 17:00 hours.

Course recognition
This training is recognized by the Dutch government (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate), the competent authorities of Belgium (EU), and the Marshall Islands.

173

Day 1 - Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques

On the first day, the morning will consist of a combination of theory and practical lessons on first aid on board ships.

In the afternoon, the focus will shift to theory and practical exercises related to survival at sea in emergency situations.

Day 2 - Brandbestrijding

Deze dag ligt volledig in het teken van brandbestrijding op schepen. De kennis wordt in de ochtend weer op scherp gezet doormiddel van interactieve theorie en het delen van ervaringen. Ook wordt in de ochtend het gebruik van ademlucht besproken en klaar gemaakt voor het middagprogramma. De volledige middag zal bestaan uit verschillende praktische oefeningen zoals bewegingsleer, kleine blusmiddelen en gasbrand

Day 3 - Command en Control

Day two focuses on leadership and coordination during fire and rescue operations. After a brief theoretical session on Command & Control, participants conduct outdoor firefighting exercises. In the afternoon, they train inside a mock-up ship with a bridge, tackling wood-fueled fires and performing casualty rescues.

Day 4 - Boatday

The third day centers on the free fall lifeboat and additional lowering procedures using conventional lifeboats. Participants practice safe entry, launching, and maneuvering under the supervision of experienced instructors.

Day 5 - Fast Rescue Boat

This refresher course reinforces key theoretical knowledge and focuses on intensive practical training. Participants practice operating the jet boat, performing man overboard recovery procedures, and executing various search patterns under realistic conditions.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques
  • Day 2 - Brandbestrijding
  • Day 3 - Command en Control
  • Day 4 - Boatday
  • Day 5 - Fast Rescue Boat
BBM

Advanced training facility for shipboard fire-fighting

BBM

Designed in the form of a ship, this facility enables comprehensive training in every aspect of shipboard fire-fighting.

Free fall lifeboat

The ultimate leap to safety

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.

Vlissingen

Vlissingen (Headquaters & Trainingsite)

Vlissingen

Fast Rescue Boat

Providing fast and effective assistance at sea

Fast Rescue Boat

Practice every step of a real FRB deployment under safe conditions — from launch to rescue.

Lifeboat

Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

Lifeboat

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

Lifeboat

Lifeboat Lingepoort

Lifeboat

Train realistically and safely in mustering, launching, and operating the lifeboat.

Duarry

Hands-on training with inflatable rescue boats

Duarry

An agile inflatable rescue boat for realistic evacuation and rescue exercises.

Pool

Safe training in realistic water conditions

Pool

A versatile and safe environment for realistic water training and evacuation exercises.

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.

Living Quarter

Training in a complete offshore accommodation module

Living Quarter

A four-level accommodation module from an oil rig, ideal for breathing apparatus exercises and complex emergency response training.

Advanced training facility for shipboard fire-fighting

BBM

BBM: Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

In our fire training facility, participants learn how to act in a truly life-like fire situation. They are confronted with intense heat, dense smoke, limited visibility, and constant time pressure. This facility is specifically designed for demanding courses such as STCW Advanced Fire Fighting, NOGEPA 2.6A/B, company emergency response, and realistic scenario-based team training exercises.

What makes our fire training facility unique is the careful balance between realism and safety. The space consists of multiple compartments that can be heated and filled with smoke, either individually or in combination. This enables the practice of a wide range of scenarios: from an engine room fire or onboard compartment fire, to complex situations involving disorientation, explosion hazards, or teamwork under breathing apparatus.

Target Audience

This training environment is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and company emergency response officers who must be prepared for fire incidents. Both individual skills and team dynamics are central: participants practice communication, leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

FFMaskFirefighting

What You Will Practice

Instructors will guide you step by step in the correct approach to and suppression of fire outbreaks. You will learn, among other things:

  • The correct use of breathing apparatus

  • Orientation and safety in dense smoke

  • Deployment of hoses and extinguishing agents in confined spaces

  • Teamwork during heat and smoke development

  • Leading fire-fighting operations (for advanced participants)

All activities take place under strict safety protocols, with real-time monitoring and a debriefing after each scenario. This way, you learn not only what to do, but also why, and how to improve as a team.

Interested in Using This Facility?

Would you like to use this training environment for your team training or a specific exercise scenario?
Please contact us for tailor-made programs or group options.

The ultimate leap to safety

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 balance between 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.

.

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 take 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 fully prepared for evacuation by free fall lifeboat?
Contact us for group options or customized training programs.

Vlissingen (Headquaters & Trainingsite)

Vlissingen

Providing fast and effective assistance at sea

Fast Rescue Boat

During the Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) training, participants learn how to safely locate, approach, and evacuate casualties and colleagues using a high-speed rescue craft. The training combines practical boat handling with rescue techniques under a variety of weather and sea conditions.

What makes this training unique is the combination of speed, maneuverability, and safety. Participants experience what it’s like to operate under pressure with an FRB, where both navigation and teamwork play a crucial role.

Who is it for?

This training is designed for offshore and maritime personnel responsible for carrying out rescue operations at sea — such as crew members on ships and platforms who must be able to launch, operate, and deploy an FRB during emergencies.

FRBFRB 2

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll go through every stage of operating a Fast Rescue Boat (FRB). You’ll learn to:

  • Prepare and launch the FRB

  • Steer and maneuver at high speed and in rough sea conditions

  • Search for, locate, and approach casualties or vessels

  • Perform rescue techniques and safely recover survivors on board

  • Work together, communicate, and demonstrate leadership during rescue operations

  • Retrieve and secure the FRB safely after deployment

All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols, with thorough briefings and debriefings. This approach helps you build confidence in the effective use of the FRB during real emergency situations.

For Your Organization

Would you like to train your team in the use of the Fast Rescue Boat?
Contact us — we offer group sessions and customized training programs tailored to the specific needs of your organization.

Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

Lifeboat

During this training, participants learn how to properly launch and operate a davit-launched lifeboat. You’ll experience each step of the process — from launching and boarding to maneuvering away — including the procedures to follow in an emergency situation.

What makes this training unique is its hands-on approach using a fully equipped lifeboat and davit system. This allows you to experience, under safe conditions, how a real evacuation unfolds on board.

Who is it for?

This training is designed for crew members, offshore personnel, and maritime professionals who need to know how to correctly operate and use a davit-launched lifeboat. Both individual tasks and teamwork during an evacuation are thoroughly covered.

Sloep

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll go through every step involved in launching and operating the lifeboat. You’ll learn to:

  • Prepare the lifeboat and crew for launch

  • Operate the davit system correctly

  • Board safely and maintain proper seating positions during launch

  • Follow procedures immediately after water contact

  • Start, maneuver, and safely navigate the lifeboat away from the vessel

  • Work together and communicate effectively during an evacuation

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with a thorough briefing beforehand and a debriefing afterward. This approach helps you build both confidence and competence in using this essential lifesaving craft.

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to be fully prepared for evacuation using a davit-launched lifeboat?
Feel free to contact us — we offer customized programs and group training options tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

Lifeboat Lingepoort

Lifeboat

At the Lingepoort, our conventional lifeboat is fully equipped for hands-on, practical training. Here, participants learn how to safely launch the lifeboat, how mustering and boarding procedures are carried out, and what actions are required during an emergency at sea.

What makes this facility unique is that every stage of a real evacuation is practiced — from mustering the crew to properly lowering the lifeboat into the water and navigating away after launch. This allows participants to experience not only the technical procedures but also the teamwork and communication that are vital during an evacuation.

Who is it for?

The lifeboat at the Lingepoort is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, and trainees who need to understand how a conventional lifeboat is deployed in emergency situations. Both individual skills and team roles during an evacuation are covered.

What You’ll Practice

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

  • Mustering crew and passengers before evacuation

  • Preparing the lifeboat for launch

  • Boarding correctly and assuming the proper seating positions during launch

  • Operating the davit system and lowering the lifeboat into the water

  • Performing actions immediately after water entry

  • Steering and maneuvering the lifeboat at sea

  • Working together and communicating effectively during evacuation

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and concluded with a debriefing. This way, you not only learn what to do, but also why — building confidence in operating the lifeboat safely and effectively.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the lifeboat training for your team or create a customized program?
Contact us — we offer group sessions and tailor-made training solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your organization.

Hands-on training with inflatable rescue boats

Duarry

The Duarry is our inflatable rescue boat, specifically designed for realistic evacuation and rescue exercises. Participants experience how this fast and highly maneuverable craft is used during emergencies and how to act safely under pressure.

What makes this facility unique is that the Duarry can be deployed directly from the Lingepoort and used for a wide range of scenarios. From evacuating people from a vessel to conducting search and rescue operations on the water — everything can be practiced under safe, controlled conditions.

Who is it for?

The Duarry is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, and emergency responders who deal with evacuations or sea rescues in their line of work and want to train in the use of an inflatable rescue boat.

FRB3

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll learn to:

  • Prepare and launch the Duarry

  • Board and position crew and passengers correctly

  • Steer and maneuver an inflatable rescue boat

  • Evacuate people from a vessel or platform

  • Conduct search and rescue operations on the water

  • Work together and communicate effectively during emergency scenarios

All exercises take place under strict safety protocols, with thorough briefings and debriefings. This way, participants build confidence in deploying the Duarry effectively during emergencies.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the Duarry for team training or a customized program?
Contact us — we’ll be happy to discuss the possibilities and tailor the training to your organization’s specific needs.

Safe training in realistic water conditions

Pool

Our pool is specifically designed for maritime and offshore safety training. Here, participants can practice various rescue and evacuation procedures in the water under controlled conditions.

What makes this pool unique is its versatility: it can be used for training with life rafts, boarding exercises, HUET simulations, capsize and entry drills, and the use of safety equipment such as the CA-EBS. All activities are supervised by experienced instructors to ensure a safe learning environment.

Who is it for?

The pool is used by offshore personnel, maritime crews, industrial emergency responders, and trainees who want to gain hands-on experience in water-related emergency situations.

Zwembad

What You’ll Practice

Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can train in the pool in areas such as:

  • Swimming and survival while wearing work clothes or a life jacket

  • Boarding and evacuating via a boarding platform

  • Using and boarding life rafts

  • Training with CA-EBS and other breathing aids

  • Escaping from the HUET installation (helicopter underwater escape)

  • Performing capsize and orientation exercises

  • Working together and communicating effectively during water emergencies

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and followed by a debriefing, ensuring participants not only master the procedures but also understand the principles behind them.

For Your Organization

Would you like to use the pool for customized training or team exercises?
Contact us — we offer group sessions and tailor the program to meet your organization’s specific 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.

KBMKBM2

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

Training in a complete offshore accommodation module

Living Quarter

The Living Quarters is a four-story accommodation module originally from an offshore drilling rig. All rooms remain in their authentic condition — from the canteen to the control room, and from the cabins to even the sauna — making the Living Quarters an exceptionally realistic training environment.

What makes this facility unique is that no live fire is used, yet it is perfectly suited for complex response exercises. The structure is widely used for training in basic breathing apparatus skills, orientation in large buildings, and large-scale scenarios where fire props are positioned directly against the structure. This creates a realistic interplay between firefighting, rescue, and building search operations.

Who is it for?

The Living Quarters is used by firefighters, offshore and maritime teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who want to train in a large-scale and complex building environment.

''

What You’ll Practice

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

  • Apply basic skills for working with breathing apparatus

  • Navigate and move safely within large, multi-level structures

  • Perform rescue and evacuation of casualties in different types of rooms

  • Communicate and coordinate effectively in a large and complex environment

  • Operate in combination with fire props positioned next to or against the building

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and thoroughly debriefed afterward, enabling participants to translate their experience into practical knowledge.

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train in a realistic, multi-level accommodation module with its original interior?
Contact us — we’ll design a program tailored to your specific learning objectives.

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.

Wendy Jansen-Nelen
Instructor
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor
Waldo Verduijn
Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Mathanje den Boer-Besemer
Medical Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Maarten Janse
Senior Maritime Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor

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.

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.

Neem contact met ons op

Wil je meer weten over een training, maatwerk bespreken of gewoon even sparren over de mogelijkheden? Neem gerust contact met ons op