STCW Course for Cruise: Everything You Need to Start Your Cruise Career
If you wish to embark on a cruise ship, then making the STCW course cruise jobs specific will set you in the right direction. No matter if it’s a luxury cruise liner, passenger ship or even a yacht, STCW certification is a prerequisite for international maritime safety compliance.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- What is STCW in cruise ship jobs?
- Why STCW is mandatory for cruise ship crew
- STCW course requirements and duration
- STCW cost and enrollment process
- Where to take an STCW course (preferably DG Shipping Approved)
- How to combine STCW + CDC + SID for maximum eligibility
Enroll in STCW Course for Cruise Ship at Training Ship Varren
What is the STCW Course in Cruise Ship Employment?
STCW or Standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers is a course introduced by IMO which ensures that all answering members employed even on cruise ships for example fulfill minimum safety and operational requirements, trainers on the other hand have set global standards that must be adhered to.
When applying to cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian, you will need to submit:
- STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
- Security Awareness Training (STSDSD)
- Refresher Course for Personal Survival Techniques (RPST)
- Refresher Course For Fire Prevention And Fire Fighting
- Crowd Control and Crisis Management (for passenger vessels)
These modules get you ready for critical emergencies like fire, evacuation, and man overboard, which every crew ship member should be ready to handle.
STCW Course for Cruise Ship Includes:
Stcw Module | Duration | Mandatory For |
Basic Safety Training (BST) | 5 – 6 days | All Seafears |
Security Training (STSDSD) | 1 – Days | All Crew |
Passenger Ship Safety/ Crowd Management | 1 – 2 Days | Passeneger Ships |
STCW Refresher Course (if expired) | 2-3 Day | Every 5 years |
Tip: Many cruise ship companies require STCW to be refreshed every 5 years. Check out our STCW Refresher Course
Where Can I Get STCW Courses for Cruise Ships?
Choose only DG Shipping Approved or globally recognized maritime institutes for your certification.
Why Training Ship Varren?
- DG Shipping Approved STCW Institute in Mumbai
- Centrally located in Navi Mumbai (Vashi)
- 100% practical safety training
- CDC, SID, and STCW course combo available
- Career support for cruise ship placement
📍 Visit Us – APMC Complex, Sector 19B, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
📞 Call us: 1800 268 2891
STCW Course Cost for Cruise Ship Jobs
Course Package | Duration | Approx. Fees (INR) |
STCW Basic Safety Training (BST + STSDSD) | 6-7 Days | ₹7,500 – ₹9,500 |
STCW + CDC + SID (Combo) | 10-14 Days | ₹18,000 – ₹24,000 |
STCW Refresher Course | 2-3 Days | ₹4,500 – ₹6,500 |
Note: Fees may vary. Check Latest Fees Here
STCW Refresher Courses for Cruise Ship Professionals
If your STCW certificate is older than 5 years, you must take a refresher course to remain eligible for cruise ship work.
- Valid for seafarers with prior sea service
- Offered by Training Ship Varren
- Includes PST Refresher and FPFF Refresher
✅ Book your seat here: STCW Renewal Courses
Can You Take STCW Course Online for Cruise Jobs?
Due to practical components like fire-fighting and survival, full STCW courses cannot be completed 100% online. However:
- Some theoretical components may be offered via hybrid/online mode
- Security awareness or STSDSD may be available in e-learning formats
Always confirm with a DG Shipping-approved institute like Training Ship Varren.
Which Course is Best for a Cruise Ship Job?
For entry-level cruise ship roles, the best course to start with is:
Add-ons:
- English Speaking & Grooming (offered by Training Ship Varren)
- CDC + SID documentation
For hospitality roles:
- STCW + Hotel Management Certificate is preferred
Cruise Ship Training Courses You Should Know
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- Passenger Ship Safety / Crowd Management
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
- Elementary First Aid
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibility
How Long is Cruise Ship Training?
- STCW Basic Training: 15 days
- With CDC + SID: 2–3 weeks
Advanced shipboard safety or yacht crew courses may take longer depending on your career goals.
Cruise Ship Training Courses Beyond STCW
- Crowd Management (for passenger ships)
- Crisis Management
- Advanced Fire Fighting (for senior ranks)
- Medical First Aid (for medical personnel)
Training Ship Varren offers guidance on career path planning and additional training depending on cruise line requirements.
Career Path After STCW for Cruise
Once certified, you can apply to:
- International cruise lines
- Passenger ferries
- Superyachts
- Luxury river cruises
Popular Job Roles:
- Housekeeping Staff
- Deck Ratings
- Galley Crew
- Waiters & Stewards
- Bar Staff
Explore Merchant Navy and Cruise Job Courses
Free STCW Course for Cruise — Is It Possible?
While free STCW courses are not officially available (due to training costs), some cruise companies reimburse training fees after hiring. Always check:
- With recruitment agencies
- Cruise line hiring policies
Avoid unapproved institutes offering fake “free courses.”
How to Apply for the STCW Course for Cruise
- Contact Training Ship Varren
- Submit passport and educational documents
- Choose your course (STCW only or combo)
- Pay fees and confirm your batch
- Attend training, practicals, and theory exams
- Receive your certificate and start applying for cruise jobs. Need help with CDC or SID too? Check Our Combo Package
🚀 Get Started with Your Cruise Career
The cruise industry is booming — and STCW certification is your passport to joining it. Whether you want to travel the world or start a stable maritime career, this is your gateway.
Enroll today at Training Ship Varren
📞 Call now: 1800 268 2891
📍 Visit: APMC Market 2, Vashi, Navi Mumbai