Beginner’s Guide: Seafarer Documents


1. What is STCW and Why Do You Need It? STCW is an international mandatory training standard required for anyone who wants to work on yachts, ships, ferries, or any commercial vessel.

Without STCW, you cannot work on a yacht.
A captain cannot legally hire or register you without it.
STCW Basic Training includes 4 core courses:

1) Fire Fighting You learn how to:
extinguish different types of fires
use fire extinguishers and fire hoses
operate in smoke
work as part of a fire response team

2) Personal Survival Techniques You learn how to:
abandon a vessel
operate life rafts
survive in the water
use life jackets correctly
act in rough sea conditions

3) First Aid You learn:
stopping bleeding
CPR
treating burns and injuries
rescuing drowning victims

4) Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities You learn:
safe conduct on board
duties within the crew
safe working practices
how to prevent accidents and emergencies

Why is STCW important? It is the only mandatory document for entering the industry.
Every captain and crew agency requires it.
Confirms you understand basic safety and emergency skills.
Valid for all yachts worldwide.

2. What is ENG1 (Seafarer’s Medical Certificate)? ENG1 is an official medical certificate issued by an approved maritime doctor.
You need ENG1 for:
working on commercial yachts
long-term contracts
international voyages
ENG1 checks:
vision
hearing
blood pressure
respiratory system
cardiovascular health
general physical condition
The exam usually takes 20–40 minutes.
⏳ Valid for 2 years.

Without ENG1, you cannot work on commercial yachts.
Private yachts sometimes accept sailors without it, but having ENG1 is strongly recommended.

3. What is a Seaman’s Book? A Seaman’s Book is an official maritime document that provides:
✔ The legal right to work as a seafarer
✔ Recording of Sea Days (your professional sea service)
✔ Visa-free entry to many countries while working on a vessel
✔ Eligibility to work on commercial yachts
✔ Official confirmation of your experience
Without a Seaman’s Book, you cannot record your sea service, and without sea service you cannot:
obtain Yacht Rating
get promoted to Bosun or Officer
qualify for higher captain licences
This is one of the most important documents for your future career.

4. Powerboat Level 2 (RYA / IYT) This certificate proves that you can:
operate a tender (small boat)
dock and moor the tender
manage the engine and equipment
navigate short routes
transport guests safely
95% of yachts have a tender.
Captains prefer candidates with PB2 because it saves training time.
Not mandatory, but:

it doubles your chances of getting hired as a deckhand.

5. Food & Hygiene Level 2 (Required for Stewardesses)This is an international food safety and hygiene certificate.
Stewardesses work with:
food
drinks
guest service
galley assistance
Therefore, this certificate is required almost everywhere.
Levels:
Level 1
Level 2 (required for yachts)
Level 3 (for supervisors)

6. PDSD — Security Certification for Commercial YachtsPDSD (Proficiency in Designated Security Duties) is required for all crew members working on commercial vessels who have any responsibility related to onboard security.
If a yacht is charter/commercial — you must have PDSD.

7. What is Yacht Rating and Who Needs It? Yacht Rating is a professional qualification received after you have real experience working on yachts.
It confirms:
verified sea service
solid deckhand skills
ability to work on larger and more complex vessels
To obtain Yacht Rating, you need:
a Seaman’s Book
a required number of logged sea days
captain’s signatures and references
Beginners do NOT need Yacht Rating yet — it is the next step after your first job.

8. Essential Documents for Beginners (Minimum Required) For a new deckhand or stewardess starting from zero, you only need:
✔ STCW Basic Training
✔ ENG1 (or equivalent maritime medical)
✔ Seaman’s Book
✔ Professional photos + CV
✔ Basic yacht English
✔ Powerboat Level 2 (recommended, but optional)