Training FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. Do I need to do the STCW95 & SSO course to work in maritime?

Yes

 

Q. What do the courses cover?

Please refer to the training page of the website where you can click on a link and download a PDF detailing the course content.

 

Q. Are the course accredited?

Yes. Black Pearl is not the training provider, so we as a Company are not accredited. We only act as the booking agent. We use accredited training providers to deliver the courses.

 

Q. Do we accept learning credits?

No

 

Q.  What if I only need to complete 2 or 3 modules of my STCW95 because I have already completed a module(s).

Yes, it is possible to just complete the sections that you require.  Please refer to the website for details.

 

Q.  How do I book a place on an SSO & STCW95 Combined course?

Please email training@blackpearlmaritimesecurity.com and provide your name postal address and contact numbers. Please state the course date you require.

 

Q.  How do I pay for the course?

BACS or cheque. We do not accept payments over the phone. Payment details are provided on the course invoice.

 

Q. Will I receive a receipt as proof of my payment?

Yes this will be sent via e-mail

 

Q.  When will I receive the course joining instructions?

You will receive joining instructions in the 2 weeks prior to the course start date. They tend to be sent out to all candidates at the same time and this is when all course places have been filled and all the information has been passed over the training company.

 

Q.  Does the course include food and accommodation?

No, but a light lunch is provided daily

 

Q.  What are the course timings?

The combined SSO & STCW95 course runs over 8 days and are approx. 9am to 5pm each day. The STCW95 is 5 days and SSO is 3 days.

 

Q.  Where are the courses run from?

Branscore, Hampshire.  All details will be on the joining instructions.

 

Q.  What if someone else is making the course payment for me?

That is fine, but please ensure that the payment has your name on it to enable us to tally the payment on your behalf with your course record. So please advise anyone making payments for you to include your surname in the payment transfer or your name is written on the back of a cheque.

 

Q.  Does the STW95 course include an anti- piracy training module?
No

 

Q.  Do you provide the Seaman’s Discharge Book during the course?
No

 

Q.  Once I have done a course booked through Black Pearl will I gain work from your company?

No, you will have to go through the recruitment process which is detailed on our web site.

 

Q.  Will I be employed or self-employed?

Self – employed

 

Q.  I am not an ex Royal Marine – does that mean I cannot do maritime work?
No, any former forces personnel can apply.

Q.  What do I need to take with me on the SSO & STCW95 course?

The course is both academic and also has a “hands on” element to it.  For the classroom, smart casual wear is fine.  However we would suggest clothing that you do not mind having a ‘smoke’ smell, for when you train on the fire ground. PPE is provided. For the pool you will need a towel, tracksuit bottoms and long-sleeved top for the practical element of this module of the course.

 

Q.  What do I need to have to work in maritime security?

Please see our ‘join us’ page