This course of instruction is designed to aid Duval County High School students interested in a career as a merchant mariner and fulfills all the U.S. Coast Guard academic requirements. Successful completion enables students to file for a Merchant Mariner Credential prior to graduating High School. Payment Requirements: The course can be paid in full or by placing a 50% deposit the remaining balance is due NLT Friday 19th of December 2025. Note: Please Use Code. DHS150 for discount.
Description
Description
Basic Training + VPDSD.
The Basic Training (BT) + VPDSD course is the foundation of every seafarer’s career, as it provides the essential safety knowledge and practical skills needed to work at sea in compliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). It is mandatory for all new entrants to the maritime industry and ensures that seafarers can respond effectively to emergencies, protect lives, and safeguard the marine environment. The course covers four critical areas: Personal Survival Techniques (PST), which prepare mariners for emergencies at sea such as abandoning ship and using survival craft; Fire Prevention and Firefighting , which teach how to prevent, control, and extinguish shipboard fires; Elementary First Aid , which equips seafarers with basic medical skills to respond to injuries and medical emergencies until professional help is available; and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR), which focus on safe working practices, teamwork, communication, and compliance with shipboard regulations. Together, these modules develop a safety culture at sea, ensuring seafarers are ready to handle real-world maritime challenges from the first day they step aboard.