STCW - Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB)

The STCW – Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB) course is designed for seafarers responsible for the safe launching, handling, and operation of fast rescue boats during emergencies. This intensive program combines theory and practical training to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond quickly and effectively to man-overboard situations, search and rescue operations, and other maritime emergencies.

Course duration: 2 days
Locations: Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.469,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW – Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (FRB)

Introduction
The FRB training focuses on the knowledge and skills required to operate fast rescue boats effectively and safely under various weather and sea conditions. Participants learn to conduct rescue operations, perform search patterns, and use communication and emergency equipment. The training complies with the requirements of the STCW Convention and its associated Code.

Objective
Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will be able to safely launch, embark, and operate a Fast Rescue Boat in all weather and sea conditions. In addition, the participant will be able to correctly use communication and emergency equipment and carry out effective search and rescue patterns.

Target group
This course is intended for anyone designated on board as coxswain or crew member of a Fast Rescue Boat.

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Practical info

Entry requirements
Minimum age: 18 years

Participants must hold:

  • A valid Basic Safety Training certificate

  • A valid Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats certificate

  • A valid medical certificate for seagoing service

  • Good health and physical ability to participate in practical exercises (confined spaces, heat exposure, swimming)

Course content

  • Theory of the compass

  • Preparing, launching, and recovering the craft

  • Effects of wind and sea on the craft

  • Transferring and rescuing persons

  • Use of electronic navigation equipment

  • Rescue of casualties from the water

  • Personal equipment and safety gear

  • Use of communication equipment

  • Troubleshooting and emergency procedures

  • Manoeuvring in calm and sheltered waters

  • Operating in open water under varying conditions

  • Application of search patterns

Certification
Upon successful completion, participants receive the Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats certificate, STCW Reg. VI/2-2, Section A-VI/2, Table A VI/2-2.

Validity
The certificate is valid for five years.

Course duration
Two consecutive working days.

Number of participants
Maximum of three participants.

Course hours
08:30 – 17:00 hours.

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Day 1 - Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats

On the first day of the Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) training, the morning session focuses on theory. Participants are introduced to the construction and equipment of the FRB, safety equipment, engines and maintenance, communication systems, and the applicable SOLAS/LSA/STCW requirements. The roles within the crew (coxswain, navigator, lookout) as well as launch and recovery procedures are also covered.

In the afternoon, the group takes to the water. Participants practice the safe launching and recovery of the boat and perform their first maneuvers. The emphasis is on becoming familiar with the basic skills of handling an FRB, such as steering, accelerating, stopping, and carrying out simple man-overboard drills.

Day 2 - Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats

On the second day of the Fast Rescue Boat (FRB) training, the morning begins with a short theory session covering search patterns and the principles of Search and Rescue (SAR).

The group then quickly moves to the water to build on the previous day’s exercises. Participants practice navigating different search patterns, taking into account wind, current, and visibility, while also focusing on crew communication and coordination. The emphasis is on hands-on practice: executing search maneuvers with precision, approaching a casualty, and preparing for recovery on board.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats
  • Day 2 - Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats

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.

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.

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.

Duarry

Hands-on training with inflatable rescue boats

Duarry

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Martijn Schutz
Deputy 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.

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.