Personal Survival Techniques (PST) is a value added safety training course that prepares non-seafarers and offshore workers to survive at sea during an emergency such as ship abandonment. Conducted as per IMO Model Course 1.19 and in compliance with STCW Regulation VI/1 and Section A-VI/1-1, this course provides the essential knowledge and hands-on skills needed to protect life in extreme marine conditions. Participants learn how to correctly don life jackets and immersion suits, jump safely into the water, swim in open sea, and board liferafts. The course also covers survival craft equipment, use of signaling devices, actions to take immediately after abandoning ship, and procedures for increasing chances of detection and recovery by rescue teams.
Through practical drills and scenario-based exercises, this training builds confidence and teaches candidates how to remain calm and organised under stress while working together with others. The Personal Survival Techniques course is compulsory for all seafarers, offshore oil and gas personnel, maritime trainees and anyone joining a ship for the first time. Successful completion ensures that individuals are compliant with international maritime safety regulations and better prepared to handle emergency situations at sea, ultimately improving overall safety standards within the maritime and offshore industry.
What will I learn?
- Principles of Survival at Sea & Causes of marine emergencies
- Human behaviour in emergency situations, Survival priorities and actions
- Use of Personal Life-Saving Equipment, Lifejacket, its construction and donning
- Immersion suits — types, use and limitations, Buoyancy aids and thermal protection
- Emergency Procedures and Ship Abandonment, Muster and alarm signals
- Procedures for abandoning ship Jumping safely into the water
- Survival Techniques in Water, Individual and group survival methods
- Swimming and towing techniques, Prevention of hypothermia (H.E.L.P. position)
- Survival Craft and Rescue Boat Operations
- Liferaft boarding and righting, Initial actions after boarding, Use of sea anchors, paddles and equipment
- Use of Survival Craft Equipment and Signaling Devices, Flares, EPIRBs, SARTs, mirrors and whistles
- Drinking water and ration management, Communication with rescue units
- Post-Rescue Actions - Care of survivors, Health and hygiene considerations
- Reporting and debrief
- Deck and engine room ratings, Officers and cadets
- Offshore oil & gas personnel travelling by sea
- Maritime trainees and apprentices
- Personnel working on platforms, rigs, or floating units
- Any individual willing to learn basic safety training before joining a vessel
- 1. What is Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course?
Personal Survival Techniques (PST) is a basic maritime safety course that teaches seafarers how to survive at sea during emergencies such as ship abandonment, sinking or other situations requiring evacuation. - 2. Is Personal Survival Techniques (PST) mandatory for seafarers?
Yes. PST forms part of the STCW basic safety training requirements for seafarers and covers the essential skills needed to survive at sea during an emergency. - 3. What is taught in a Personal Survival Techniques course?
The course covers lifejackets, immersion suits, safe entry into water, liferaft boarding, survival equipment, emergency procedures, survival techniques and the use of signalling devices. - 4. How long is the Personal Survival Techniques course?
The Elite Offshore PST course is listed with a duration of 8 hours and is available through online and offline training modes. - 5. Who can take the Personal Survival Techniques (PST) course?
PST is suitable for seafarers, cadets, offshore personnel, maritime trainees and personnel working on ships, rigs, platforms or other floating units. - 6. Does PST training include practical survival exercises?
Yes. PST training covers practical survival skills such as using a lifejacket and immersion suit, entering the water safely, swimming with a lifejacket and boarding a liferaft. - 7. What is STCW Personal Survival Techniques (PST)?
STCW PST refers to the Personal Survival Techniques competency covered under STCW Regulation VI/1 and Section A-VI/1-1, providing basic training for survival during a marine emergency. - 8. What equipment is covered in Personal Survival Techniques training?
Candidates learn about personal lifesaving equipment and survival craft equipment, including lifejackets, immersion suits, liferafts, sea anchors and emergency signalling devices. - 9. Is Personal Survival Techniques the same as Survival at Sea training?
They cover many of the same survival skills, but the course name and approval requirements can differ between training providers. PST specifically follows the applicable STCW personal survival training requirements. - 10. What skills will I gain after completing PST training?
You will learn how to respond during ship abandonment, protect yourself in the water, use lifesaving equipment, board survival craft and take appropriate actions while waiting for rescue.
Write a public review