To kick-start your career at sea in Florida, you’ll need to complete a set of mandatory maritime safety certificates, commonly offered as a bundled course known as STCW Basic Safety Training.
Florida is one of the world’s most popular locations for yacht crew training, with multiple U.S. Coast Guard-approved training centres used by entry-level deckhands, stewardesses, and professional yacht crew.
STCW Basic Safety Training in Florida
STCW Basic Safety Training is a part of mandatory yacht crew qualifications for anyone planning to work professionally or recreationally on yachts and vessels. In Florida, the course is delivered through USCG-approved training providers, ensuring your certificate is internationally recognised for yacht employment.
Training in Florida is popular due to year-round course availability, strong yacht industry presence, and access to internationally recognised certification.
Why Complete Your STCW in Florida?
Completing your STCW Basic Safety Training in Florida opens the door to a career in the global yachting and maritime industry. The certification is required by all major flag states and is considered the minimum safety qualification for working on board.
Florida is also a major recruitment hub, making it a smart place to train, network, and prepare for your first yacht role.
How to Get an STCW Certificate in Florida
The most reliable way to obtain your STCW certificate is by completing training at a U.S. Coast Guard-approved maritime training facility.
Yachtiecareers offers USCG-recognised and MCA-approved STCW Basic Safety Training courses at multiple locations across Florida, aligned with international competency standards and yacht crew requirements.
What’s Included in STCW Basic Safety Training in Florida
The STCW-compliant course combines the following four essential safety modules:
1. Personal Safety & Social Responsibility (PSSR – A-VI/1-4)
This theory-based module focuses on safe working practices, human relationships on board, environmental protection, and employment conditions on yachts. Assessment includes written and oral examinations.
2. Personal Survival Techniques (PST – A-VI/1-1)
This hands-on module covers survival at sea, use of life-saving appliances, emergency procedures, and pool-based survival drills. Training typically spans two days and includes practical assessments.
3. Elementary First Aid (A-VI/1-2)
This module combines theory and practice, focusing on first aid response, CPR, and managing medical emergencies in a marine environment. Successful candidates receive an Elementary First Aid Certificate.
4. Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (A-VI/1-2)
Includes classroom instruction and live-fire exercises covering fire prevention, detection, breathing apparatus use, and search and rescue in smoke-filled environments.
What to Expect Physically During STCW Training
STCW training in Florida involves realistic emergency simulations, including:
- Jumping into water from height
- Swimming with a lifejacket or immersion suit
- Righting an overturned life raft
- Firefighting drills using full protective equipment
- Rescuing simulated casualties
- CPR practice on mannequins
Is STCW Basic Safety Training Mandatory for Yacht Crew in Florida?
Yes. All crew seeking employment on superyachts must complete STCW Basic Safety Training, regardless of department.
While yachts under 24m may not be legally required to enforce STCW, most captains and employers still expect crew to hold valid certification.
Why Train with Yachtiecareers in Florida?
Yachtiecareers provides career-focused programmes with STCW partnership centers in Florida designed specifically STCW while Yachtiecareers handles the training for yacht crew entering the industry.
Florida training locations offer USCG-approved certification, a mix of practical and theory-based learning, and access to discounted accommodation options.
Florida is one of the most efficient places to complete your STCW training and start your yacht career.
