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
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