Starting a career on a cruise ship in 2026 requires more than enthusiasm and a passport. Every crew member — from housekeeping and bar staff to deck, engine, and entertainment — must hold the correct STCW safety and security certificates before joining a vessel.

Cruise ships operate under strict international safety rules, and employers will not issue a contract unless you are fully certified. This guide explains exactly which STCW courses you need in 2026 and provides a direct link to a fully approved, all‑in‑one training bundle accepted by all major cruise companies.

What STCW Certificates Do Cruise Ship Crew Need in 2026?

Cruise companies require crew members to complete a complete STCW safety and security package, not just the basic four courses. The required training includes:

STCW Basic Safety Training (Reg. A‑VI/1)

This consists of four mandatory courses:

• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – A‑VI/1‑1
• Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) – A‑VI/1‑2
• Elementary First Aid (EFA) – A‑VI/1‑3
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – A‑VI/1‑4

These courses ensure crew can survive at sea, fight fires, provide first aid, and work safely onboard.

Security Awareness (SAT) – A‑VI/6‑1

Required for all crew working on ISPS‑compliant vessels.

Designated Security Duties (DSD) – A‑VI/6‑2

Required for crew with assigned security responsibilities. Cruise companies strongly prefer this certificate because most crew perform security‑related tasks during emergencies.

Crowd Management (Passenger Ships) – A‑V/2‑1

Mandatory for all crew working on passenger ships, including cruise ships and ferries.

The Complete 7‑Course Package (Approved & Accepted Worldwide)

Marine Pro Academy offers a fully approved, all‑in‑one STCW Complete Safety & Security Training Bundle that includes every certificate required for cruise ship employment in 2026.

👉 https://marineproacademy.com/product/stcw-basic-safety-security-training-bundle-7-courses/

Courses Included:

• Elementary First Aid (EFA) – A‑VI/1‑3
• Personal Survival Techniques (PST) – A‑VI/1‑1
• Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting (FPFF) – A‑VI/1‑2
• Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities (PSSR) – A‑VI/1‑4
• Security Awareness Training (SAT) – A‑VI/6‑1
• Crowd Management (Passenger Ships) – A‑V/2‑1
• Designated Security Duties (DSD) – A‑VI/6‑2

This is the exact package required by cruise companies in 2026.

Accepted by All Major Cruise Companies

Because the training is Liberia‑approved and fully compliant with the STCW Code, it is accepted by all major cruise lines, including:

• Royal Caribbean International
• MSC Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Costa Cruises
• AIDA Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• P&O Cruises
• Cunard Line
• TUI Cruises
• Marella Cruises

These companies require crew to hold approved STCW safety and security certificates before joining a vessel — and this bundle includes all mandatory courses.

Why This Bundle Is Valid for Cruise Ship Work

The training is:

• Liberia‑approved (IMO Whitelist)
• Fully compliant with STCW Code sections: A‑VI/1‑1, A‑VI/1‑2, A‑VI/1‑3, A‑VI/1‑4 A‑VI/6‑1, A‑VI/6‑2 A‑V/2‑1
• Recognized by all flag states that accept IMO‑approved training
• Accepted by cruise ships, ferries, offshore units, and commercial vessels worldwide

This ensures your certificates are valid for onboarding across international fleets.

What You Will Learn

Through this structured online training, seafarers gain the ability to:

• Respond effectively to onboard emergencies
• Perform survival and abandonment procedures
• Fight and prevent fires
• Provide elementary first aid
• Maintain safe working practices
• Understand maritime security threats
• Perform designated security duties
• Manage passengers during emergencies

This is the complete competency set required for safe operations at sea.

Course Highlights (2026)

• Liberia‑approved (IMO whitelist)
• 100% online, self‑paced
• No physical attendance required
• Suitable for first‑time and refresher training
• Certificate validity: 5 years
• Fast processing and digital certificate delivery
• Accessible even onboard vessels

Who This Bundle Is For

Ideal for:

• Cruise ship crew
• Hotel staff & stewards
• Housekeeping
• Deck & engine ratings
• Superyacht crew
• Offshore personnel
• Ferry crew
• First‑time seafarers

If you want to work on a cruise ship in 2026, this is the exact certification package you need.

Final Thoughts

If your goal is to join a cruise ship in 2026, completing the correct STCW package is the first and most important step. With this all‑in‑one bundle, you get every certificate required by cruise companies — fully approved, globally recognized, and available online.

👉 https://marineproacademy.com/product/stcw-basic-safety-security-training-bundle-7-courses/