Safety in maritime operations is not only determined by the condition of the vessel and the availability of safety equipment, but also by the competence and qualifications of every crew member on board. For this reason, the government, through the Ministry of Transportation, requires all seafarers—whether working on tankers or SPOB vessels—to hold official certifications such as Basic Safety Training (BST), Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF), and various other competency certificates according to their positions on board. These certifications represent the minimum standards that must be met to ensure that crew members can perform their duties safely, professionally, and in accordance with international procedures.
Basic Safety Training (BST) is a fundamental certification that must be held by all crew members before they are assigned to a vessel. Through this training, seafarers are equipped with essential skills such as safety procedures, personal survival techniques, the use of life-saving appliances, and emergency response at sea. This certification ensures that every crew member understands the initial actions that must be taken in the event of ship accidents, fires, leaks, or other situations that threaten human life.
Meanwhile, Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) certification is intended for crew members who have greater responsibility in controlling and extinguishing fires on board. AFF training includes techniques for fighting fires using various extinguishing media, operating advanced firefighting equipment, coordinating firefighting teams, and rescuing victims trapped in hazardous areas. Considering the high risk of fire on tanker vessels, the presence of crew members with AFF certification is crucial in maintaining the overall safety of the ship.
In addition to these certifications, several others—such as Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSC), Medical First Aid (MFA), Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats (PFRB), and officer competency certificates (ANT and ATT)—are also required depending on each crew member’s role and responsibilities. PSC, for example, is an important requirement for crew members responsible for operating lifeboats and rescue boats. This training provides the skills needed to launch, maneuver, and operate rescue boats in emergency situations.
The Ministry of Transportation emphasizes that crew certification is not merely an administrative document, but a guarantee that every seafarer has met international safety standards as established under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention. With valid certification, the risk of human error can be reduced, considering that many maritime accidents occur due to a lack of experience and insufficient competence among crew members in handling emergency situations.
Amid increasing maritime mobility and the growing scale of national logistics activities, fulfilling crew certification requirements has become even more important. Shipping companies are required to ensure that all crew members hold valid certificates and participate in regular competency updates. This step not only supports operational safety but also enhances the reputation and trust of service users in the national shipping industry.
By strengthening the quality of human resources through official certification, maritime safety in Indonesia is expected to improve further, while also enhancing the competitiveness of the national maritime sector at both regional and global levels.
