STCW - Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces

The STCW – Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces course is designed for seafarers and maritime personnel who are responsible for entering and performing rescue operations in confined or hazardous spaces on board a vessel. The training provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to carry out safe entry, workplace preparation, and rescue or self-rescue operations in confined spaces correctly and responsibly.

The course complies with the requirements of the STCW Convention and recognized international guidelines and concludes with an internationally recognized Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces certificate.

Course duration: 2 days
Objects and facilities:
Cost per student: € 575,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW - Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces

Introduction
The STCW – Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces course has been developed for seafarers and maritime personnel who perform work in or near confined spaces on board ships. During this intensive training, participants learn to identify the risks associated with entering confined spaces and how to carry out rescue operations safely and efficiently. The course combines theoretical instruction with realistic practical simulations in a controlled environment.

Objective
The aim of the training is to qualify participants to work competently and in accordance with applicable safety procedures in confined spaces, and to safely perform rescue actions in emergency situations. Emphasis is placed on recognizing hazards such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and explosion risks, as well as on the correct use of breathing apparatus and rescue equipment.

Target Group
This course is intended for seafarers, maintenance personnel, safety officers, and rescue teams involved in entering, inspecting, or rescuing persons from confined spaces on board.

Practical info

Entry Requirements
Participants must hold:
• A valid medical certificate for seagoing service
• A valid Basic Training certificate (STCW 2010)
• Good physical health and the ability to participate in all practical exercises (including the use of breathing apparatus, confined space entry, and rescue operations)

Course Content
The course is divided into theoretical and practical components covering the following topics:

Theory:
• Laws and regulations related to confined spaces on board
• Risks and hazards (oxygen deficiency, toxic or explosive gases)
• Procedures for safe entry into and exit from confined spaces
• Gas measurements and use of detection equipment
• Communication and supervision during operations
• Emergency procedures and rescue strategies

Practical:
• Preparation and execution of safe confined space entry
• Use of personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus
• Performing rescue operations in confined spaces
• Evacuation and emergency procedures
• Teamwork and communication within the rescue team

Certification
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive the certificate:
Entry & Rescue Confined Spaces, in accordance with:
• The relevant guidelines of the STCW Convention, IMO, ILO, and SOLAS concerning safe working in confined spaces on board
• The Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbeidsomstandighedenwet) and the Directive on Safe Working in Confined Spaces

Note: This course is not a separate STCW module but a specialized training certified by recognized training providers, compliant with international safety standards.

Validity
5 years

Course Duration
2 consecutive days

Number of Participants
Minimum 4, maximum 10 participants

Class Hours
08:30 – 17:00

Day 1 - Enclosed spaces

What is defined as a confined space and how can it be identified? Learn which risks are associated with working in such environments, what legislation applies, which personal protective equipment is required, and how these risks can be effectively managed

Day 2 - Rescue in Confined Spaces

On the second day, the focus is on applying the acquired knowledge in practical situations. Participants learn how to safely and systematically prepare and conduct a rescue operation in a confined space. Specialized rescue and breathing apparatus are used, and participants practice effective team communication under time pressure. The training complies with applicable laws and regulations and prepares participants to act decisively and safely in emergency situations within confined spaces.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Enclosed spaces
  • Day 2 - Rescue in Confined Spaces

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.

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.

ZwembadBoatsLRPool2

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 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
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor
Jorian Schut
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.