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About DRTC
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The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is a mandatory basic course for everyone working on board a ship. During the training, you will learn how to act in emergency situations such as fire, abandoning ship, and survival at sea. The STCW – BST training meets the basic training requirements for all personnel intending to go to sea on merchant and/or fishing vessels in accordance with Regulation VI/1, paragraph 1, and Section A-VI/1, paragraph 2.1 of the STCW Convention and Code of 1978, as amended.
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IntroductionThe STCW – Basic Safety Training (BST) is designed to raise awareness of and provide insight into emergencies and critical situations that may occur on board a ship, and how to take appropriate action.The STCW – BST training meets the basic training requirements for all personnel intending to go to sea on merchant and/or fishing vessels.The training complies with Regulation VI/1, paragraph 1 and Section A-VI/1, paragraph 2.1 of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code of 1978, as amended.
ObjectiveUpon completion of the course, participants will be able to act in a life-saving manner during ship abandonment, fire fighting on board, and survival at sea.
Target GroupIntended for anyone working on board ships falling under the STCW regime and the Dutch Seafarers Act.
Entry RequirementsMinimum age: 17 years and 9 months
Participants must be in possession of:
a valid medical certificate for seafaring
good health and physically able to participate in practical exercises (including use of breathing apparatus, confined spaces, heat exposure, and swimming)
Course ContentThe course consists of four components (both theory and practice), namely:
personal survival techniques at sea
fire prevention and firefighting
life-saving actions and safe working
personal safety and social responsibility
Course Duration5 consecutive working days
CertificationUpon successful completion of the Basic Safety Training course, participants will receive the certificate:
Proficiency in Basic Training, STCW reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1-2, Table A VI/1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4
Proficiency in Basic Training Fishing Vessels, STCW reg. VI/1, Section A-VI/1 par. 2 & STCW-F reg. III/1, items 1-6
ValidityFive years (Basic Safety)Unlimited (Fishery Module)
Number of ParticipantsMinimum 6, maximum 12 participants
Class Hours08:30 – 16:30 (daily)
On the first day of the course, participants are introduced to the basic principles of fire fighting on board. What exactly is a fire, how does it start, and how can we prevent fires on board? And if prevention is no longer possible, how do we effectively extinguish the fire?
Time to put the material from day 1 into practice with very accessible exercises.
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.
During this day of the course, participants learn how to respond to accidents on board. Topics covered include bleeding, hypothermia, burns, CPR, and fractures.
During the morning session, participants learn about personal safety and social responsibilities. In the afternoon, the program is supplemented with specific topics related to the fishing industry.
The course covers safety on board fishing vessels, emergency procedures and survival, the use of personal protective equipment, and teamwork and communication on board, with attention to environmental awareness.
With the best resources and facilities at our disposal, we are able to offer training and courses of the highest quality.
Train realistically in the launch and operation of a davit lifeboat, and build confidence in performing evacuations.
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 training with portable fire extinguishers for small fire scenarios.
Realistic and safe training in gas fire suppression.
Intensive and realistic training in combating gas and liquid fires.
Realistic training with breathing apparatus, orientation, and teamwork in challenging conditions.
Realistic and safe training in handling the risks of hydrogen and new energy carriers.
A four-level accommodation module from an oil rig, ideal for breathing apparatus exercises and complex emergency response training.
Realistic and safe training in helicopter hoist operations from the water and life raft.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
The Dräger Training Maze is specifically designed to help participants practice using breathing apparatus in challenging conditions. In a network of corridors, obstacles, and limited visibility, trainees learn how to move safely and effectively under pressure.
What makes the Dräger Training Maze unique is the combination of physical exertion, orientation, and breathing apparatus use. Participants experience the importance of staying calm, managing air consumption, and working effectively as a team in demanding environments.
The Dräger Training Maze is used by maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, firefighters, and emergency response officers (BHV) who need to become proficient in the use of breathing apparatus and in working within confined or hazardous spaces.
Use and check breathing apparatus correctly
Control air consumption under physical strain
Navigate and orient themselves in a maze with limited visibility
Overcome obstacles and narrow passages
Work together and communicate effectively while using breathing apparatus
Stay calm and manage stress responses
All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols and monitored by instructors, ensuring a safe yet highly realistic learning experience.
Would you like your team to train with breathing apparatus in realistic scenarios?Contact us — we’ll design a customized program that reflects the practical challenges of your organization.
The Hydrogen Training Facility is our dedicated site for scenarios involving hydrogen and other alternative fuels. Here, participants learn how to safely manage the unique risks associated with hydrogen, such as invisible flames, high flammability, and pressurized storage.
What makes the Hydrogen Training Facility unique is its realistic yet controlled environment, allowing participants to practice responding to incidents that are becoming increasingly relevant due to the ongoing energy transition. This prepares teams for the emerging challenges of new fuels in the maritime, offshore, and industrial sectors.
The Hydrogen Training Facility is used by maritime and offshore personnel, firefighters, industrial emergency responders, and safety teams who may encounter hydrogen storage, transport, or usage in their line of work.
Recognize the specific risks associated with hydrogen
Safely approach incidents involving hydrogen
Practice extinguishing techniques and cooling of installations
Apply shutdown and isolation procedures
Ensure personal safety and use protective equipment correctly
Work together and communicate effectively during incidents involving alternative fuels
All exercises are conducted under strict safety protocols, with clear briefings beforehand and debriefings afterward. This approach combines hands-on experience with theoretical understanding for optimal learning outcomes.
Would you like to prepare your team for the risks associated with hydrogen and alternative fuels?Contact us — we’ll develop a training program tailored to the safety requirements of your sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.