STCW - Basic Training including Security Awareness (BST-SA)

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 respond to 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.

Course duration: 5 days
Locations: Groningen, Vlissingen
Cost per student: € 1.611,00 (excl. BTW)

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

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About this course

STCW - Basic Training including Security Awareness (BST-SA)

Introduction
The STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is designed to raise awareness and provide insight into emergencies and critical situations that may occur on board a ship, and how to respond to them. The STCW BST training meets the basic training requirements for all personnel intending to go to sea on merchant and/or fishing vessels. The course complies with 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, participants will be able to perform lifesaving actions related to abandoning ship, firefighting on board, and survival at sea.

Target Group
Intended for anyone working on board vessels subject to the STCW regime and the Seafarers Act.

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Practical info

Admission Requirements
Minimum age: 17 years and 9 months

Participants must be in possession of:

  • a valid medical certificate for maritime service

  • good health and physically capable of participating in practical exercises (use of breathing apparatus, confined spaces, heat stress, swimming)

Course Content
The course consists of four parts (both theory and practical), namely:

  • personal survival techniques at sea

  • fire prevention and firefighting

  • lifesaving and safe working practices

  • personal safety and social responsibility

Course Duration
5 consecutive days

Certification
Upon 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 Security Awareness (STCW reg. VI/6, Section A-VI/6-1)

Validity
Five years (Basic Safety)
Unlimited (Security Awareness Module)

Number of Participants
Minimum 6, maximum 12 participants

Training Hours
08:30 – 16:30 (daily)

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Day 1 - Basic Fire Fighting

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?

Day 2 - Brandbestrijding

Deze dag ligt volledig in het teken van brandbestrijding op schepen. De kennis wordt in de ochtend weer op scherp gezet doormiddel van interactieve theorie en het delen van ervaringen. Ook wordt in de ochtend het gebruik van ademlucht besproken en klaar gemaakt voor het middagprogramma. De volledige middag zal bestaan uit verschillende praktische oefeningen zoals bewegingsleer, kleine blusmiddelen en gasbrand

Day 3 - Sea Survival

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.

Day 4 - First Aid

During this day of the course, participants learn how to respond to accidents on board. Topics covered include bleeding, hypothermia, burns, CPR, and fractures.

Day 5 - Personal Safety & Social Responsibility

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.

Day 5 - Security Awareness

Deze middag staat volledig in het teken van bewustwording van maritieme beveiliging aan boord van zeeschepen. De cursus is bedoeld voor alle zeevarenden die geen specifieke beveiligingstaken uitvoeren, maar wél moeten weten hoe te handelen bij beveiligingsrisico’s, zoals piraterij, terrorisme of sabotage.

What's on the program?

  • Day 1 - Basic Fire Fighting
  • Day 2 - Brandbestrijding
  • Day 3 - Sea Survival
  • Day 4 - First Aid
  • Day 5 - Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
  • Day 5 - Security Awareness

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.

Lifeboat

Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

Lifeboat

Train realistically in the launch and operation of a davit lifeboat, and build confidence in performing evacuations.

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.

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.

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Realistic training with gas and liquid fires

Flammable Liquids Training Ground

Intensive and realistic training in combating gas and liquid fires.

Dragerbaan

Training under breathing apparatus in realistic conditions

Dragerbaan

Realistic training with breathing apparatus, orientation, and teamwork in challenging conditions.

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.

Bungalow

Realistic training in a multi-compartment residential structure

Bungalow

Wood-fired residential structure with multiple compartments. Ideal for search, movement techniques, and thermal imaging camera training.

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.

Realistic Training in Controlled Conditions

Lifeboat

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.

Sloep

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.

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.

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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.

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.

Training under breathing apparatus in realistic conditions

Dragerbaan

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.

Who is it for

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.

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What you’ll practice

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

  • 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.

For your organization

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.

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.

Kantine

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.

Realistic training in a multi-compartment residential structure

Bungalow

The Bungalow is a wood-fired training facility designed to simulate a real single-story residential house. It features multiple bedrooms and compartmentalized spaces, making it ideal for exercises focused on search techniques, movement, and orientation.

What makes the Bungalow unique is the combination of a familiar living environment with challenging fire conditions. Its wood-fired design allows participants to experience realistic smoke and heat development. The facility is also perfect for practicing with thermal imaging cameras — identifying and locating hot spots can be trained very effectively here.

Who is it for?

The Bungalow is used by firefighters, maritime personnel, offshore teams, industrial emergency responders, and emergency response officers (BHV) who want to train in a realistic residential environment with an emphasis on search operations and fire dynamics.

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What You’ll Practice

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

  • Conduct a search during a residential fire with multiple compartments

  • Apply movement techniques while using breathing apparatus

  • Perform rescue and evacuation of casualties from bedrooms and other rooms

  • Use a thermal imaging camera to identify and locate hot spots

  • Operate effectively under conditions of smoke, heat, and limited visibility

  • Coordinate as a team and communicate during residential fire operations

All exercises are wood-fired and conducted under strict safety protocols. Each session concludes with a debriefing to connect practical experience with theoretical knowledge.

For Your Organization

Would you like your team to train in search techniques, heat recognition, and firefighting within a realistic residential environment?
Contact us — we’ll create a training program tailored to your organization’s learning objectives.

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.

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
Ruud Kathagen
Maritime Instructor
Emile van Dooren
Instructor
Jorian Schut
Maritime Instructor
Michel de Pooter
Senior Maritime Instructor
Bas Gloudemans
Managing Director
Marcel Bertijn
Firefighting Instructor

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.

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.