What is RFPNW in STCW?

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RFPNW is short for 'Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch'.

This is an STCW qualification for junior sailors in the deck department. The details are in a table called STCW II/4. To do RFPNW, you must have an STCW Basic Safety Training certificate (and a valid medical certificate).

There is also a qualification called 'RFPEW', Ratings forming part of an engine room watch. We are focused on the deck department.

If you are able to find a job on a boat after completing STCW, you will start accumulating 'sea going' or 'sea' time. We explain sea time in another blog. To do RFPNW, you must have at least 6 months sea time or sea service in the deck department under the supervision of a captain or mate. So, it is expected that a candidate for RFPNW has already worked on a boat. She would have been assisting with basic maintenance and operational work under supervision. 

RFPNW is the start of your skills and knowledge training in the deck department. 

According to STCW, the minimum training in RFPNW should include:

Keeping a look out, which includes recognizing boats, ships, lighthouses and buoys by day, night and sound. And doing fire prevention and safety inspections (fire rounds) of the boat while on duty during the night. For the full list of minimum skills and knowledge requirements for RFPNW, look up schedule 'II/4' in STCW.