NIMASA STCW PST exam-day guide
NIMASA STCW PST · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Valid government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID)
Bring the original document, not a photocopy. The name must match your registration exactly. If you registered under a seafarer's identity document or discharge book, bring that as well. Confirm with the provider which ID types they accept before test day.
Printed or digital copy of your registration/booking confirmation
Have the confirmation reference, test date, time, and venue address accessible offline on your phone or on paper. This speeds up sign-in and resolves any name or slot mismatch at the desk.
Medical fitness certificate or self-declaration, if required
STCW practical assessments may require you to confirm fitness to participate in water and physical drills. Ask the provider in advance whether a medical certificate, seafarer medical, or signed self-declaration is needed. Mark as needs_review until confirmed.
Swimwear and a towel, plus a change of clothes
Personal survival training involves pool or water work. Wear or bring swimwear that stays secure during jumps and treading water, and pack a towel and dry clothes. Goggles are usually optional; confirm with the provider whether they are permitted during assessment.
Footwear suitable for wet decks and poolside
Bring secure sandals or water shoes for poolside and closed shoes for classroom or drill areas. Avoid loose flip-flops on wet surfaces. Confirm with the provider if any specific footwear is required or prohibited.
Water bottle and light snack
Practical sessions can run long with limited breaks. Hydration matters during water drills. Check the provider's policy on food and drink in changing and training areas.
Arrive early and locate the correct training centre entrance
Aim to arrive well before your reporting time so you can sign in, change, and attend any briefing without rushing. Confirm the exact gate or building with the provider, as training centres are often inside port or terminal areas with access control.
Read the joining instructions and safety briefing in advance
Review any pre-course material the provider sends. Know the pool rules, emergency signals, and what to do if you feel unwell in the water. Raise medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, or heart conditions with the instructor before entering the water.
Declare any medical condition or injury to the instructor
Tell the assessor privately before the session if you have a condition that could affect you in water or during physical drills. This is a safety matter and is normally handled confidentially. Confirm with the provider how declarations are recorded.
Leave valuables at home or secure them
Changing areas and lockers may be limited. Bring only what you need and confirm with the provider whether lockers are available or you must keep belongings with you.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's joining instructions and confirm the venue, reporting time, and what to bring. Check that your photo ID is valid and the name matches your booking. Gather swimwear, towel, footwear, and a change of clothes. If you have a medical condition, ask the provider what declaration or certificate is needed and arrange it. Get normal sleep rather than last-minute cramming; practical assessments test execution, not recall under pressure.
Confirm your travel route and journey time, allowing extra for port or terminal security. Pack your bag the night before: ID, booking confirmation, swimwear, towel, dry clothes, footwear, water, and any required medical paperwork. Avoid alcohol and heavy exertion. Eat normally and stay hydrated. Set two alarms. If you feel unwell, contact the provider about rescheduling rather than attending unfit for water work.
Eat a light breakfast and drink water. Arrive at the centre ahead of your reporting time. Present your ID and booking confirmation, complete any sign-in or declaration forms, change into swimwear or training kit as directed, and attend the safety briefing. Listen for pool rules, emergency signals, and the assessor's instructions. Ask questions before the session starts if anything is unclear.
Follow the assessor's instructions exactly and in the order given. Perform each drill as demonstrated, at a pace you can sustain. If you make an error, correct it calmly and continue; do not argue with the assessor mid-session. Report any injury, cramp, or distress immediately. After the session, change into dry clothes, return any borrowed equipment, and confirm with the provider when and how results are issued.
Rules to check
Bring original photo ID that matches your registration. Photocopies and expired documents are normally refused; confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted.
Follow all pool and safety instructions from the instructor. Enter the water only when told, and stop immediately on a whistle or signal.
Declare medical conditions, injuries, or medication that could affect you in water before the session begins. Do not conceal a condition to avoid rescheduling.
Do not coach, signal, or assist another candidate during assessment unless the assessor directs it. Unauthorised help can invalidate a candidate's result.
Phones and recording devices are usually restricted in changing and assessment areas. Confirm with the provider where they may be stored or used.
Breaks are set by the provider and may be short. Ask the instructor before leaving the poolside or training area, and never leave the water unsupervised.
Scoring is by the assessor against the required performance criteria. A drill is normally passed or failed on execution, not on speed alone. Confirm with the provider how resits and appeals are handled.
Treat equipment and facilities with care. Report damaged or missing equipment to the instructor before use rather than improvising with it.