STCW Refresher Course in Antibes: Renew Your STCW Before the Caribbean Season

As the Mediterranean season comes to an end, many yacht crew prepare for the transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean. These crossings often mean spending several weeks at sea, making it difficult to renew your certifications once you've left Europe.

If your STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is approaching its expiry date, don't wait until the last minute. Renewing your certification before crossing the Atlantic ensures you're ready to join your next yacht without delays.

At Seascope France, we offer the STCW Refresher Course in Antibes, delivered entirely in English by experienced instructors and designed specifically for professional yacht crew.

Upcoming STCW Refresher Course Dates

If you're planning to join the Caribbean season, here are our upcoming courses:

2026 Course Dates

• 03–04 September 2026
• 10–11 September 2026
• 17–18 September 2026
• 24–25 September 2026
• 01–02 October 2026
• 08–09 October 2026
• 15–16 October 2026
• 22–23 October 2026
• 29–30 October 2026
• 12–13 November 2026
• 26–27 November 2026
• 10–11 December 2026

Places fill up quickly during the autumn, as many crew renew their certificates. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred course dates.

STCW Refresher Course FAQs

My STCW certificate expires soon. Should I renew it now or wait?

If your certificate is due to expire soon, it's recommended to renew it before your expiry date, especially if you're planning a transatlantic crossing or joining a yacht for the Caribbean season.

Many crew spend several weeks at sea during Atlantic crossings, meaning they may not have the opportunity to complete their refresher training before their certificate expires.

Renewing your STCW before you leave Europe helps ensure you're fully compliant and ready to join your next vessel without interruption.

Can I complete my STCW Refresher Course online?

No.

The STCW Refresher Course includes mandatory practical training and must be completed in person at an approved training centre.

At Seascope France, the course includes practical refresher training in:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
• Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

These practical assessments cannot be completed online.

Do I need to renew my entire STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)?

No. If you already hold a valid STCW Basic Safety Training certificate and need to update your mandatory practical competencies, you do not need to repeat the full Basic Safety Training course.

Instead, you'll need to complete the STCW Refresher Course, which updates the practical elements required under the STCW Convention.

Can I complete my STCW Refresher Course in one day?

No.

At Seascope France, the STCW Refresher Course is completed over two days.

The course includes practical refresher training in:

• Updated Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
• Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

Full attendance is required to successfully complete the course and receive your updated certification.

I only need to renew one STCW module. Do I need to complete the whole refresher course?

Not necessarily.

Depending on your certification requirements, you may only need to refresh a specific STCW module.

If you're unsure which refresher training you require, simply contact the Seascope France team before booking. We'll help you determine which course is appropriate for your certification.

What does the STCW Refresher Course include?

The STCW Refresher Course is designed for seafarers who already hold STCW Basic Safety Training certification and need to refresh the mandatory practical competencies required to continue working at sea.

During the course, you'll complete practical training in:

• Updated Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
• Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting

Training is delivered entirely in English by experienced instructors in realistic training environments.

Why complete your STCW Refresher in Antibes?

Antibes is Europe's largest yachting hub and one of the most popular locations for yacht crew preparing for the Caribbean season.

Completing your STCW Refresher in Antibes allows you to renew your certification while staying close to:

• Port Vauban
• Crew houses
• Yacht agencies
• Recruitment opportunities

Many crew combine their refresher training with dock walking or interviews before heading across the Atlantic.

Why choose Seascope France?

Seascope France has been training professional yacht crew for many years.

Our STCW Refresher Course is:

• Delivered entirely in English
• Taught by experienced instructors
• Designed specifically for yacht crew
• Completed over two days
• Conveniently located in Antibes, just minutes from Port Vauban

Whether you're preparing for a transatlantic crossing or simply keeping your qualifications up to date, our team is here to help you stay compliant and ready for your next contract.

Book Your STCW Refresher Course in Antibes

If your STCW certificate is due to expire, don't wait until you're already at sea.

Book your STCW Refresher Course in Antibes with Seascope France and renew your certification before the Caribbean season begins.