Course Overview
The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers provides standards regarding emergency, occupational safety, and survival. The course provides these standards to meet minimum requirements for familiarization, basic safety, fire fighting, and survival in emergency situations, and the syllabus is in compliance with TP 4957, December 2016.
Prerequisite(s)
- (1) A valid Seafarers Medical or completed Medical Clearance form. JIBC medicals are valid for a maximum of 6 months after date of exam. TC medicals are valid for a maximum of 2 years after the date of exam. https://www.bcit.ca/files/transportation/pdf/marine/form_medical_clearance.pdf (2) Minimum age of 18 years. (3) Completion of CCOHS Fatigue Management at Sea course. This course is offered free for all Canadian seafarers with a valid CDN: https://www.ccohs.ca/distributors/transport-canada. Required as per Ship Security Bulletin 15-2025.: https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025.
Credits
3.5
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Domestic fees
$2,722.20
International fees are typically 3.4 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain types of emergency situations which may occur, such as collision, fire, and foundering.
- Describe different types of lifesaving appliances normally carried on various vessels.
- Describe equipment in survival craft.
- Explain the location of personal lifesaving appliances.
- Describe principles concerning survival, including: Value of training and drills; Personal protective clothing and equipment; Need to be ready for any emergency; Actions to be taken when called to survival craft stations; Actions to be taken when required to abandon ship.
- Demonstrate proficiency in actions to be taken when called to survival craft stations, and having to abandon ship.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of lifesaving appliances and equipment.
- Explain about shipboard contingency plans for response to emergencies.
- Describe emergency signals and specific duties allocated to crew members in the muster list, muster stations, and correct use of personal safety equipment.
- Describe action to take on discovering potential emergency; including fire, collision, foundering, and ingress of water into the ship.
- Describe action to take on hearing emergency alarm signals.
- Describe escape routes and internal communication and alarm systems.
- Apply the basic knowledge of the impact of shipping on the marine environment, and the effects of operational or accidental pollution on it.
- Explain basic environment protection procedures.
- Demonstrate an understanding regarding the complexity and diversity of the marine environment.
- Describe importance of adhering to safe working practices at all times.
- Describe safety and protective devices available to protect against potential hazards on board ship.
- Describe precautions to be taken prior to entering enclosed spaces.
- Explain how familiarization with international measures concerning accident prevention and occupational health is done.
- Explain the factors contributing to effective communications on board ship.
- Explain basic team working principles and practice, including conflict resolution.
- Describe importance of maintaining good human and working relationships on board ship.
- Explain social responsibilities, employment conditions, individual rights and obligations, and dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
- Describe the necessity of actions to take to control fatigue.
- Contribute to the prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and sexual violence.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2026
Related Programs
STCW Basic Safety (MEDI 1510) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs with a co-op option.
School of Transportation
- Bridge Watch Rating
Associate Certificate Full-time
- Marine Engineering
Diploma Full-time
- Nautical Sciences
Diploma Full-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2026
Below is one offering of MEDI 1510 for the Fall 2026 term.
CRN 52420
Dates
Oct 19 - Oct 28 Loading
- CRN 52420
- $2722.20 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
TBD
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- IMPORTANT NOTE: COURSE STARTS AT JIBC AND THE LAST FOUR DAYS ARE AT BCIT MARINE CAMPUS. To obtain departmental approval, send an email to med@bcit.ca with a copy of a valid Seafarers Medical or a completed Medical Clearance form (www.bcit.ca/files/transportation/pdf/marine/form_medical_clearance.pdf), your Fatigue Management at Sea training, your valid marine medical, your student ID # and the course dates you're interested in. Use this link tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/ship-safety-bulletins/mandatory-fatigue-management-training-ssb-no-15-2025 to complete your Mandatory Fatigue Management Training. Participants must be at least 18 years of age to complete course. According to WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 31: Firefighting www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/occupational-health-safety/searchable-ohs-regulation/ohs-regulation/part-31-firefighting, participants MUST BE CLEAN-SHAVEN where the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or any tight-fitting respirator seals with the face. This ensures a positive seal and effective respiratory protection during firefighting operations. You must purchase the required manuals and text(s) from the BCIT Bookstore: www.bcitbookstore.ca/bcit/ Physical (printed, spiral bound) manuals can be purchased from the BCIT Bookstore and shipped to the Marine Campus library for pick up or directly to your home address. You are required to have the manual with you on your first day at the Marine Campus. Course manuals will be made available to the class in a digital format (PDF) only. This resource must not be printed on campus. Note: Bring a laptop to access the digital copy in class.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval You must have approval from the department to register. Students accepted into a program can register directly.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.