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About DRTC
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The STCW – Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course is an intensive one-day training in which participants learn how to act effectively and survive in emergency situations at sea. The focus is on safely abandoning the vessel, using personal life-saving appliances, and increasing the chances of survival until rescue arrives.
Throughout the course, theoretical instruction is combined with practical exercises, during which participants learn to handle lifejackets, immersion suits, liferafts, and distress signals. Realistic scenarios are practiced, emphasizing teamwork, composure, and sound decision-making under pressure.
The training meets the international requirements of the STCW Code (Reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1-1, Table A-VI/1-1) and the Manila Amendments (2010).
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STCW Personal Survival Techniques Refresher (PST)
Entry RequirementsMinimum age: 17 years and 9 months
Participants must be in possession of:• a valid medical certificate for seafaring• good health and physical condition sufficient to participate in practical exercises (including swimming and water-based survival activities)• adequate command of the Dutch and/or English language
Course ContentThe course consists of both theoretical and practical modules, including:• recognition of emergency situations and correct procedures for abandoning a vessel• use of lifejackets, immersion suits and liferafts• survival techniques in the water• use of distress signals and communication equipment• procedures after abandoning ship and during rescue operations
Course Duration1 day
CertificationUpon successful completion of the course, participants receive the certificate:Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques (PST),in accordance with STCW Reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1-1, Table A-VI/1-1.
Validity5 years
Number of ParticipantsMinimum 6, maximum 12 participants
Class Hours08:30 – 16:30 hours
This day is dedicated to survival at sea. We discuss the safety equipment available and how to use it effectively. Additionally, you will learn how a lifeboat operates in practice and what to do if you unexpectedly end up in the water.
Our training locations are specifically designed to optimize your learning experience. With modern facilities, realistic training environments, and centrally located centers in Vlissingen and Groningen, we offer a professional and comfortable setting where practice and safety come together.
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.
A versatile and safe environment for realistic water training and evacuation exercises.
The ultimate training location for realistic water survival and life raft exercises.
Realistic and safe training in helicopter hoist operations from the water and life raft.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Heli Hoist Raft Station is our dedicated facility for training rescue operations using a helicopter hoist. Participants experience what it’s like to be lifted from the water or a life raft with the help of a heli sling and winch.
What makes this facility unique is the combination of realistic training and maximum safety. Under the supervision of experienced instructors, trainees become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and physical experience of a helicopter hoist operation over water.
The Heli Hoist Raft Station is used by maritime and offshore personnel, wind industry teams, and emergency responders who may encounter helicopter evacuations or rescues in their line of work.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants will learn to:
Prepare for a helicopter hoist operation
Safely enter a heli sling from the water or a life raft
Maintain proper body position and communication during the hoist
Work effectively with rescue teams and helicopter crews
Manage tension and stress during hoisting procedures
Maintain orientation and ensure safety during water and air operations
All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols with continuous supervision. This provides a lifelike experience while maintaining maximum safety at all times.
Would you like your team to train in helicopter hoist techniques over water?Contact us — we offer customized programs tailored to the practical needs of offshore, wind, and maritime operations.
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.
As a native of Limburg, he developed a passion for the sea at a young age, which led him to complete the MBO program Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch, All Ships at Scalda College in Vlissingen. After a short period at sea, working in various ranks and on different vessels, he chose a shore-based career in search of greater stability.
Following several shore-based positions, he joined De Ruyter Training & Consultancy in February 2025 as a Maritime Instructor for both STCW and GWO training. He finds great satisfaction in seeing participants successfully complete their training and highly values the camaraderie among his colleagues.
Maarten Janse was born and raised in Zeeland and has a deep connection with the sea. After completing his Bachelor of Maritime Officer degree at the Maritime Institute De Ruyter (2002–2006), he began his career as a 4th officer on the cruise ships of Holland America Line. In the years that followed, he progressed to 1st officer and gained worldwide experience in ship navigation and maneuvering, delivering safety training to crew in various emergency roles, organizing emergency drills, and leading teams responsible for the maintenance of lifesaving appliances and fire detection, prevention, and firefighting systems.
In 2022, Maarten made the transition to a shore-based position, wishing to spend more time with his family while sharing his extensive hands-on experience with others. As a Senior Maritime Instructor at DRTC, he delivers training such as AFF, PST, PSCRB, FRB, ECDIS, GWO, and MCRM, as well as modules within ship management. His trainings are realistic, practice-oriented, and always linked to real-world situations. Maarten holds the certificate of competency as Master Mariner (all ships) and Firefighting Crew Member, and is a certified CAE MCRM instructor, making him a specialist in maritime incident response and teamwork.
Maarten has a strong passion for sharing knowledge. As a black belt holder in Kyokushin karate, he enthusiastically taught both youth and adults for many years. That same energy, dedication and attention to the participant characterize his approach in every training he delivers.
Jorian Schut was born and raised in Bergen op Zoom, where he grew up surrounded by water. Through sea scouts and sailing he discovered his passion for the sea and adventure. After completing his Maritime Officer studies at HZ University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen (2016–2020), he started his seafaring career in early 2021 as an officer on heavy lift vessels. For four years he sailed worldwide and gained extensive experience with ice navigation in the Arctic region.
In early 2024, Jorian decided to pursue a shore-based career. Having previously attended his own safety courses at DRTC, he returned with great memories of that time – this time as an Maritime instructor. Since then, he has been delivering nearly the full range of STCW training, simulation training and GWO programs at DRTC. In addition, he is actively involved in the development of new courses, ensuring the training offer remains relevant and of high quality.
His training style is hands-on, approachable and always focused on learning together. Jorian values the stories and experiences of participants, creating an environment where everyone learns from one another. For him, safety courses should never feel like a mandatory exercise, but rather like a meaningful and enjoyable experience.
With certifications such as Firefighting Crew Member (and currently training for Firefighting Commander) and practical experience in challenging maritime environments, Jorian has built a solid foundation. Looking ahead, his ambition is to further expand his role by delivering more courses, developing new programs and taking on greater leadership responsibilities within the organization.
Bas Gloudemans has been active in maritime safety training for many years. What began as a hobby—diving during HUET training—has grown into a passion for the maritime industry. After starting his career as an instructor and completing training as a safety specialist, Bas held various management positions at different training providers.
In addition to his dedication to safety training, the development of training centers both in the Netherlands and abroad has played a central role throughout his career. With experience from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, Bas ultimately settled in what may well be considered the cradle of maritime education and training in the Netherlands: beautiful Zeeland.
Alongside his directorial responsibilities, Bas is still occasionally active as an instructor. After all, old habits die hard…
Born and raised in Brabant (very close to Efteling), Emile spent around 18 highly adventurous and educational years as part of the military system. Qualified to operate in extended various disciplines and shaped by the rigorous “green” Methodology, he developed a keen ability to respond inventively and ad hoc to incidents under Spartan conditions, a skillset still tested in practice somewhere on the globe today.
Since 2018, he has combined this discipline with SOLAS, STCW, and hands-on maritime expertise, delivered with a touch of humor, sharing his knowledge during training sessions under the motto: “Train as you fight.” He mainly works at the DRTC site in Flushing, on-site at companies, and on board vessels (an honorary privilege!), though he started out at the Groningen-site.
As a hobbyist in MARCOM, he contributes to DRTC’s consistently strong performance (≥90%) on CBR exam results.
Key traits: No-nonsense, energetic.
Born and raised in Zeeland, Michel de Pooter carries the sea in his heart. From a young age, his parents took him along on their sailing boat, instilling in him a deep-rooted love for the water and maritime life.
After completing his Maritime Officer training, Michel began his career as a 4th Officer with the cruise ships of Holland America Line. In the following years, he rose through the ranks to Staff Captain, gaining a wealth of experience in leadership and ship operations on board cruise vessels worldwide.
In 2025, Michel chose a new course: a shore-based position that allowed him to spend more time with his family while sharing his extensive hands-on knowledge with others. As Senior Maritime Instructor at DRTC, he delivers a variety of maritime training programs and is also regularly involved in the preparation and development of courses at the office.
DRTC provides a wide range of accredited safety courses for the maritime, offshore, wind and industrial 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.
Courses are available in Dutch or English. Additional support for reading difficulties can be arranged on request.
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.
You will receive a digital and/or physical certificate in compliance with STCW standards. The format may vary by course.
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.