STCW Course in Kolkata: Complete Guide for 2025
STCW Course in Kolkata: Complete Guide for 2025
Published by Mercantile Marine Academy (MMA) | East India's Oldest Maritime Institute
If you want to work on a commercial ship anywhere in the world, one certificate stands between you and your first contract: the STCW certificate. For thousands of seafarers in West Bengal and across East India, Kolkata is the go-to city for completing this training — and Mercantile Marine Academy (MMA) has been at the centre of it since 1998.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the STCW course in Kolkata in 2025 — what it is, who needs it, what the modules involve, how to enrol, and why choosing a DGS-approved institute like MMA matters for your career.
What Is the STCW Course?
STCW stands for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers — an international convention established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to ensure that all seafarers meet a baseline standard of safety training before going to sea.
In simple terms, no STCW certificate means no job on a commercial vessel, anywhere in the world.
The STCW course is mandatory for:
- Anyone joining the Merchant Navy for the first time
- Officers and ratings returning to sea after a certificate lapse
- Seafarers upgrading from STCW '95 to STCW 2010 (Manila Amendments)
- Anyone whose individual STCW modules are approaching their 5-year validity
The 4 Core Modules of the Basic Safety Training (BST) Course
The entry-level STCW package — commonly called the Basic Safety Training (BST) course — consists of four mandatory modules. All four must be completed to receive the BST certificate.
1. Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Covers the use of life-saving appliances, survival suits, lifeboats, and actions to take in a marine emergency. Includes practical sessions in water.
2. Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting (FPFF)
Teaches fire behaviour aboard ships, use of fire-fighting equipment, and practical drills. This is one of the most hands-on modules, conducted at a dedicated firefighting facility.
3. Elementary First Aid (EFA)
Covers initial response to medical emergencies at sea — CPR, bleeding control, fractures, and more.
4. Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
Introduces shipboard safety culture, emergency procedures, watchkeeping duties, and the responsibilities of every crew member.
MMA Note: MMA has been conducting all four BST modules since its establishment. Our practical training facilities — including the fire-fighting training area and survival equipment rooms — are maintained to DGS standards, ensuring your certificate is recognised by shipping companies worldwide.
Advanced STCW Courses Available in Kolkata
Beyond the BST, there is a full ladder of STCW courses that seafarers need as they progress in their careers. MMA offers 22 DGS-approved STCW courses — one of the largest offerings among post-sea training institutes in East India.
| Course | Who Needs It | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) | Officers (mandatory) | 5 years |
| Medical First Aid (MFA) | Officers | 5 years |
| Medical Care (MC) | Masters, Chief Officers, Chief Engineers | 5 years |
| Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB) | Officers | 5 years |
| Oil and Chemical Tanker Familiarisation (OCTCO/OTF) | Anyone sailing on tankers | 5 years |
| Basic Training for Liquefied Gas Tankers (TASCO/LGTF) | Gas tanker crew | 5 years |
| Ship Security Officer (SSO) | Designated Security Officers | 5 years |
| Engine Room Simulator — Operational Level (ERS-OL) | Engineering Officers | As required |
| GMDSS General Operator's Certificate (GOC) | Radio operators, Officers | 5 years |
| Bridge Resource Management (BRM) | Deck Officers | As required |
| Crisis Management and Human Behaviour (CMHB) | Senior Officers on passenger ships | 5 years |
For a full list of all 22 courses with current schedules and fees, visit the MMA courses page or contact us directly.
Who Should Do the STCW Course in Kolkata?
Kolkata is one of India's most important maritime cities, home to the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (formerly Kolkata Port), the MMD Kolkata office, and the Indian Maritime University (Kolkata Campus). It serves as the primary training and certification hub for seafarers from:
- West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and the entire Eastern region
- The North-East states
- Officers and ratings based in Kolkata between contracts
Whether you are a fresh B.E. (Marine Engineering) graduate, a GP Rating going for your first BST, or a Chief Engineer renewing your AFF and PSCRB certificates, Kolkata has the infrastructure — and MMA has the approvals — to get it done.
DGS Approved vs. Non-Approved Institutes: Why It Matters
This is one of the most important decisions a seafarer will make when enrolling for any STCW course.
A DGS-approved (Director General of Shipping, India) institute means:
- The institute has passed inspection by India's maritime regulator
- Your certificates are entered into the DGS national database
- Shipping companies and port state control officers worldwide can verify your certificate
- Your COC (Certificate of Competency) revalidation is processed without complications
A certificate from a non-approved or lapsed institute may be rejected by your employer, flag state, or port state control — potentially costing you a contract or worse, leading to detention of your ship.
MMA holds a valid DGS MTI approval, and all 22 courses conducted here are listed in the DGS database. When you complete a course at MMA, your certificate is generated through the official DGS portal — no questions asked at any shipping company or MMD office.
The DGS E-Learning Requirement (Important for 2025)
As per DGS Training Circular No. 13 of 2020, e-learning has been made compulsory for all STCW modular courses. You must complete the relevant e-learning module before attending the physical course at any institute in India — including MMA.
What this means for you:
- Register on the DGS e-learning portal
- Complete the online module for your specific STCW course
- Obtain the e-learning completion certificate
- Then report to MMA for the classroom and practical sessions
Institutes cannot generate certificates unless the e-learning is marked complete in the DGS system. If you arrive at MMA without completing e-learning, your course attendance may be delayed. Contact our office in advance, and we will guide you through the process step by step.
How to Enrol for an STCW Course at MMA Kolkata
Enrolling at Mercantile Marine Academy is straightforward. Here is the process:
Step 1 — Check the course schedule Visit www.mmatrust.com for the latest schedule of all 22 courses. Batches run throughout the year.
Step 2 — Complete DGS e-learning Log in to the DGS e-learning portal and finish the module for your course before your batch date.
Step 3 — Gather your documents
- CDC (Continuous Discharge Certificate) or INDOS card
- Existing STCW certificates (for refresher/renewal enrollments)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Valid ID proof
Step 4 — Report to MMA
Our institute is located at: 15/21, Pillar no.126, New BBT Road, Maheshtalla, Behind MM Classic Marvel, RS no. 65, Dist. South 24 pgs, Kolkata- 700141
Reach us easily via the Rash Behari Avenue corridor — well connected by metro, bus, and auto from all parts of Kolkata.
Step 5 — Complete training and receive your certificate Upon successful completion of classroom sessions, practical exercises, and the exit examination, your certificate is generated and uploaded to the DGS system.
STCW Certificate Validity and Renewal
STCW certificates are not permanent. Each module carries a 5-year validity. Here is a quick reference:
| Certificate | Validity | Refresher Duration |
|---|---|---|
| BST (individual modules) | 5 years | Half day to 1 day per module |
| Advanced Fire Fighting | 5 years | ~4 hours |
| PSCRB | 5 years | ~4.5 hours |
| Medical First Aid | 5 years | ~3 hours |
| Tanker courses (OTF, LGTF) | 5 years | As per DGS norms |
Pro tip: Don't wait for your certificates to expire. Renewing in advance keeps your COC revalidation smooth. Many shipping companies require all STCW certificates to have at least 6 months' remaining validity when signing on.
Why Choose MMA for Your STCW Course in Kolkata?
There are several DGS-approved institutes in Kolkata. Here is what sets MMA apart:
Legacy since 1998 — Over 25 years of continuous operation and lakhs of certificates issued make MMA one of the most trusted names in East India's maritime training ecosystem.
22 DGS-approved courses under one roof — Whether you need BST, AFF, OCTCO, MEO Class II Preparatory, Engine Room Simulator, GMDSS, or Medical Care, MMA covers the full spectrum. You do not need to run between institutes.
Experienced faculty — The teaching staff at MMA includes active and retired Chief Engineers and Master Mariners with real sea-going experience — not just classroom instructors.
Centrally located — Maheshtalla is one of Kolkata's most accessible addresses. The institute is close to public transport, accommodation, and the MMD Kolkata office.
Trusted by the industry — MMA's certificates are accepted by leading Indian and international shipping companies without question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the STCW course if I am a fresher with no sea experience? Yes. The BST course has no sea-service prerequisite. It is the starting point for anyone entering the maritime industry.
How long does the BST course take? The Basic Safety Training package typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on the schedule and batch size.
Is there an exam at the end? Yes. Each module includes an exit assessment — a combination of a written test and a practical demonstration. You must pass both to receive the certificate.
Can I do individual STCW modules separately? Yes. If you only need to renew a specific module (e.g., FPFF or MFA), you can enrol for just that refresher course without repeating the full BST.
What if my certificate was done at another institute — can I renew at MMA? Yes. MMA accepts candidates whose original certificates were issued by any DGS-approved institute across India.
How do I verify my certificate online? All certificates issued by MMA are uploaded to the DGS system. You can verify them on the DGS India website using your INDOS number.
Ready to Enrol?
Whether you are beginning your maritime career or keeping your certifications current, MMA is ready to help. With over two decades of training experience, 22 DGS-approved STCW courses, and a faculty of seasoned mariners, we have everything you need to stay certified, stay safe, and stay employable at sea.
Visit us: 15/21, Pillar no.126, New BBT Road, Maheshtalla, Behind MM Classic Marvel, RS no. 65, Dist. South 24 pgs, Kolkata- 700141 Website: www.mmatrust.com
Mercantile Marine Academy — East India's Oldest Maritime Institute.