STCW - Basic Safety Training (BST) Herhaling

The STCW – Basic Safety Training Refresher (BST-R) is a two-day refresher course for seafarers who already hold a valid Basic Safety Training certificate and wish to renew it. The course provides a review of knowledge and skills in personal safety, fire prevention and firefighting, survival at sea, and first aid, in accordance with the international STCW Convention (1978, as amended).

Course duration: 2 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 767,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW Basic Safety Training Refresher - BST Ref

Introduction
The Basic Safety Training Refresher course is designed to reacquaint seafarers with onboard emergency procedures and safety measures. The training includes both theoretical and practical components focused on effective action during emergencies. The course meets the requirements of STCW Regulation VI/1, paragraph 1, and Section A-VI/1, paragraph 2.1 of the STCW Convention and Code of 1978, as amended.

Objective
Upon completion of the course, the participant will have demonstrable competence in performing essential emergency procedures on board, including firefighting, personal survival, first aid, and safe working practices.

Target group
This course is intended for seafarers who hold a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate and wish to renew it. Participation is mandatory for anyone professionally employed on seagoing vessels and serves as a periodic refresher of the required competencies.

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Practical info

Entry requirements
Participants must hold:

  • A valid (not expired) STCW Basic Safety Training certificate

  • A valid medical certificate for seagoing service

  • Good physical condition to safely participate in practical exercises such as firefighting and water-based activities

Basic knowledge of the English language is recommended due to international terminology and communication.

Course content
The training consists of a combination of theory and realistic practical exercises. The focus is on refreshing and demonstrating the competencies required to act effectively in emergency situations. Topics include:

  • Firefighting: use of breathing apparatus, orientation in smoke, casualty rescue, deployment of portable extinguishers, high-pressure hoses, and combating complex fire scenarios

  • Survival at sea: launching and use of liferafts, teamwork during survival operations, righting capsized rafts, use of survival equipment, and preparation for helicopter rescue

  • Personal safety and social responsibility: emergency procedures, safe working practices on board, and strengthening the onboard safety culture

  • First aid on board: life-saving actions, casualty stabilization, and basic medical care until further assistance is available

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Basic Safety Training Refresher certificate officially recognized by the ILT, in accordance with international STCW requirements.

Validity
The certificate is valid for five years and is internationally recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Course duration
Two consecutive working days.

Number of participants
Maximum of 12 participants per group to ensure adequate attention and personal guidance.

Course hours
08:30 – 17:00 hours.

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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 - Fire prevention & fire fighting

Op de tweede dag van de Basic Safety Training Refresher ligt de nadruk op brandpreventie, branddetectie en brandbestrijding aan boord van schepen.

Na het theoretische gedeelte nemen de deelnemers deel aan praktijkoefeningen waarin de vereiste competenties worden beoordeeld.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Elementary First Aid, Personal Survival Techniques
  • Day 2 - Fire prevention & fire fighting

Get to know our facilities in Vlissingen

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.

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.

Gas Fire Field

Training with gas fires under safe conditions

Gas Fire Field

Realistic and safe training in gas fire suppression.

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.

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.

Heli Hoist Raft Station

Realistic training with helicopter hoist operations

Heli Hoist Raft Station

Realistic and safe training in helicopter hoist operations from the water and life raft.

GR Pontoon

Realistic training on open water

GR Pontoon

Floating platform for realistic evacuation and rescue exercises in Groningen.

Raft Station

Realistic training with life rafts and water survival

Raft Station

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

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.

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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

Training with gas fires under safe conditions

Gas Fire Field

At the Gas Fire Training Area, participants learn how to approach and extinguish gas fires safely and in a controlled manner. This facility uses realistic setups where pressurized gas is ignited, allowing trainees to experience how dangerous and unpredictable a gas fire can be.

What makes the Gas Fire Training Area unique is the expert guidance and focus on a variety of attack techniques, extinguishing agents, and safety strategies. The emphasis is not only on extinguishing the flames but also on understanding the risks and safely shutting off the source.

Who is it for

The Gas Fire Training Area is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and firefighters who may encounter gas installations or pipelines in their work and want to learn how to respond safely during such incidents.

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What you’ll practice

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

  • Approach a gas fire safely

  • Identify the risks associated with gas leaks and fires

  • Apply the correct extinguishing agents and techniques

  • Shut off the gas source and prevent escalation

  • Work effectively as a team when combating gas fires

  • Maintain personal safety and use protective equipment properly

All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with thorough briefings and debriefings. This ensures that participants not only develop practical skills but also gain a solid understanding of the underlying principles of gas fire suppression.

For your organization

Would you like to train your employees in the safe suppression of gas fires?
Contact us — we’ll create a program tailored to the specific risks and needs of your organization.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Realistic training with helicopter hoist operations

Heli Hoist Raft Station

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.

Who is it for?

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.

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What You’ll Practice

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.

For Your Organization

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.

Realistic training on open water

GR Pontoon

The pontoon in Groningen serves as the floating base for various rescue and evacuation exercises. From this platform, lifeboats, life rafts, and the free-fall lifeboat are launched, allowing participants to experience the conditions of a real emergency at sea or on inland waters.

What makes the pontoon unique is its direct connection to multiple vessels and lifesaving equipment. This enables the training of complete scenarios — from mustering and boarding to launching, evacuation, and rescue.

Who is it for

The pontoon is used by:

  • Offshore and maritime personnel

  • Students from nautical training programs

  • Safety and rescue teams

  • Companies that want to practice evacuation procedures

What you’ll practice

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

  • Muster and board lifeboats or life rafts

  • Launch rescue craft from the pontoon

  • Work together and communicate effectively during evacuations

  • Rescue people from the water

  • Operate and move safely on and around the pontoon

All exercises are carried out under strict safety protocols and concluded with a group debriefing.

For your organization

Would you like your team to train realistically in evacuation and rescue scenarios?
Our pontoon in Groningen provides the ideal setting. We’ll tailor the program to match your organization’s specific risks and procedures.

Our Instructors

The faces behind the training

Our experienced instructors challenge you to push your limits and get the best out of yourself.
Our programme coordinators are available to answer all your questions and provide practical information about the training.

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

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.

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.