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Where to take the STCW

Discussion in 'Licensing & Education' started by sabmagnus, Feb 25, 2020.

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  1. sabmagnus

    sabmagnus New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2020
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    1
    Location:
    Kelowna, Canada
    Hi! I'm planning on taking my STCW course in April/May, I'm so overwhelmed with all of the different options and would love some advice!

    Are courses offered in the US, UK, Europe and the Bahamas all considered equal and how do you know that they are properly accredited? Are there schools that are considered superior?

    Also is it worth taking the extra course that covers all things interior/stewardess related?

    Thanks guys!
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I like MPT in Fort Lauderdale,FL. Maritime Professional Training. The UK is most likely good. I don't think I'd be taking an STCW course in the Bahamas.
  3. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Sep 2, 2013
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    7,132
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    If you're wanting to be a stewardess, it is helpful to take extra courses that better prepare you, especially since you won't have experience to rely on.
  4. CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    On the water
  5. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Nov 10, 2015
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    Location:
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    What a horrible document.
  6. CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Until that "horrible document" (yes, I agree in your assessment) is of great help to you.

    Case in point:
    Many years ago I was upgrading a Master 100 ton to Master 500 ton. One of the necessary tasks was to attend the class for Proficiency in Survival Craft. I attended the class, it was a miserable week involving launching a lifeboat into a harbor choked with ice, and rowing around amongst the bergy bits. Long story short, I complete the class and take the certificate to the REC in New York where I was handling all my application paperwork. It turns out that the course approval for that school had expired !!!! I was fit to be tied. Fortunately, the USCG officer in charge was a reasonable man and he accepted the certificate. If I would have had access to that "horrible document" way back then, I may have avoided some angst. I feel fortunate that the CWO was kind and benevolent.

    Having learned my lesson, I now use that "horrible document" to vet each and every course that I plan to attend. I am at this very moment enrolled in and attending a celestial navigation class being held at the STAR Center in Dania. I am taking the class to increase the scope of a Third Mate Unlimited endorsement from Near Coastal to Oceans. Until recently, anybody who wanted to increase the scope of that endorsement was required to do their testing for the two pertinent modules at a Regional Exam Center. While reading through that "horrible document", I discovered that there are some schools that have their course approval read that the completion of their course meets those examination requirements.... which is a huge benefit in my view. So at the end of the intense 2 week class, I submit the course completion certificate, and voila! ... the USCG sends me the sticker for my little red book .... thereby achieving a life-long goal in personal and professional development. Master Unlimited is next!
  7. Oscarvan

    Oscarvan Senior Member

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    Location:
    Chesapeake Bay
    If you know the school it works..... If you're trying to find which schools on there offer what you need it's a PITA. But, it's better than nothing.
  8. CaptPKilbride

    CaptPKilbride Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Download the document as a .pdf then use the "find" feature with a well chosen search keyword .... that's how I found the schools that would not require me to test at the REC.