Posted: May 4, 2023

STAR Center advisory: Register early for courses needed for MMC renewal of STCW endorsements


STAR Center continues to see a concerning decrease in the number of mariners attending STCW Basic Training (BT) and Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) revalidation courses. All actively sailing members/applicants with STCW endorsement should take the two-day revalidation course ANYTIME in the five-year validity period of their Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and NOT WAIT UNTIL THEIR credential is expiring to try to enroll in these courses.

Due to the decreased enrollment, STAR Center has adequate availability in the upcoming time frame. Should STAR Center experience a surge in BT/AFF applications in the future, spots may not be available to accommodate last-minute requests/applications. Please consider taking your BT/AFF early in the five-year validity of your current MMC.

As a reminder, for RENEWAL of STCW endorsement on an MMC, a mariner must submit:

  • 360 days sea service: Any vessel that is required to hold regular fire and emergency and abandon ship drills.
  • Basic Training Revalidation: (one-day course, dated within five years of renewal)
  • Advanced Fire Fighting Revalidation: (one-day course, dated within five years of renewal)

If you meet the above requirements, the United States Coast Guard will renew all STCW endorsements.

NOTE: Those on Great Lakes and Reduced Operating Status (ROS) vessels that regularly hold fire and emergency and abandon ship drills receive full sea service credit towards STCW sea service requirements per USCG NVIC 08-14 and 09-14. Please click here for detailed information on ROS service and credit.

Upcoming BT/AFF courses are scheduled to start:

May 8, 22; June 7, 12, 26; July 6, 17, 31; August 3, 14, 28; September 11, 28; October 2, 16, 26; November 6, 27; and December 11, 18.

STAR Center's course schedule can be accessed at https://www.star-center.com/schedule.html. Enrollment questions or applications should be directed to Student Services at 1-800-942-3220 Ext. 201, online at https://www.star-center.com/forms/reg.mbr.live.html or via .