TOP 10 STCW COURSES IN UAE

According to the current market data, the price depends on the specific module. A comprehensive 5-Day STCW Basic Safety Training typically costs around 5,449 AED (approx. $1,480 USD). For shorter, specialized courses like STCW Marina First Aid, fees are significantly lower, starting at 1,155 AED. 

The duration varies by certification type. The full Basic Safety Training (BST) is a mandatory 5-day program covering four pillars: Fire Prevention, Personal Survival, First Aid, and Social Responsibilities. Specialized modules like Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) usually take 3 days, while Elementary First Aid can be completed in just 1 to 2 days.

Salaries vary based on experience and the vessel type (commercial vs. private). Market research by Coursetakers via Glassdoor and other salary aggregators indicates that a Boat Driver in Dubai typically earns between AED 3,000 and AED 7,000 per month. However, senior Yacht Captains or those with advanced STCW qualifications working on larger commercial vessels can earn significantly more, often exceeding AED 15,000 per month.

Yes. Under the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments, your certificates are valid for 5 years. After this period, you must undertake Refresher Training to validate your competency, particularly for survival techniques and fire fighting.

If you have substantial sea time, some modules may not require a full course, but refresher training is standard practice to keep your license active.

STCW certification is a mandatory requirement under international and UAE law.

• Legal Authority: According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) STCW Convention 1978 (as amended), specifically Regulation VI/1, all persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a seagoing commercial vessel must complete "Safety Familiarization and Basic Training."
• In the UAE: This is enforced by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) under the Federal Decree-Law No. (43) of 2023 (Maritime Law), which aligns UAE regulations with international safety standards.

This legal requirement applies to every crew member on commercial vessels over 24 meters from Captains and Engineers to Stewards and Deckhands. While private use is sometimes exempt, most large yachts operate under the Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY3) or are required by maritime insurance policies to ensure all crew hold valid STCW 95/2010 certificates to prove competency in emergencies.