STCW Basic Safety Training Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

What does the abbreviation STCW stand for?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. STCW is the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, adopted by the IMO in 1978 and amended since.

Question 2

Which organisation adopted the STCW Convention?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The International Maritime Organization (IMO). The STCW Convention was adopted under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping.

Question 3

Basic Safety Training (BST) is mandatory for which seafarers?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

All personnel assigned shipboard duties with designated safety or emergency responsibilities. Under STCW, all seafarers with designated safety, pollution-prevention or emergency duties must complete Basic Safety Training before being assigned shipboard duties.

Question 4

How many separate modules make up STCW Basic Safety Training?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Four modules. BST comprises four modules: Personal Survival Techniques; Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting; Elementary First Aid; and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities.

Question 5

How often must seafarers normally refresh their core Basic Safety Training certificates?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Every five years. STCW requires seafarers to provide evidence of continued competence; core BST certificates such as survival craft and fire fighting are typically revalidated every five years.

Question 6

What is the primary purpose of an emergency muster list (station bill)?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

To assign each crew member their duties and station in an emergency. The muster list assigns every crew member specific emergency duties and the station to report to, so that response is organised and nobody is left without a role.

Question 7

On hearing the general emergency alarm, a seafarer should first:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Go to their assigned muster station with the required equipment. The general emergency alarm signals all crew to proceed to their muster stations with lifejackets and any assigned equipment to await instructions.

Question 8

What is the recognised general emergency alarm signal on board ships?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast. The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one prolonged blast on the ship's whistle and alarm system.

Question 9

A safety drill on board is intended mainly to:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Make sure crew can carry out their emergency duties quickly and correctly. Drills build familiarity so that, in a real emergency, crew react quickly and correctly without hesitation.

Question 10

Who has overall command and responsibility for safety on a ship?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

The master. The master holds overall command and ultimate responsibility for the safety of the ship, crew, passengers and cargo.

STCW Basic Safety Training Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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