MCA Accredited Training Courses
13 Malabar Road, Sandys MA01, Bermuda
We are now taking bookings for Fall 2025
The Bermuda Maritime Academy was set up to develop pathways for Bermudians seeking and advancing their maritime careers. By delivering relevant maritime training courses, created to international standards and requirements, Bermudians can receive professional maritime training locally on the island. The Bermuda Maritime Academy will provide sustainable education and employment opportunities for Bermudians, commencing with the internationally recognised Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). By working with all levels of the local education system, students of all ages will have a clear understanding of the maritime opportunities available, and the standards or qualifications that they need to work at sea.
Why STCW?
STCW stands for Standards in Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, and is held by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
The human element is recognized as a key element of the safety of life on board ships and a contributing factor to most of the casualties in the shipping sector. Maritime safety and safety of navigation can be enhanced by strengthening the focus on the human element. The safety and security of life at sea, protection of the marine environment and over 80% of the world’s trade depends on the professionalism and competence of seafarers.
The IMO’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978 was the first internationally-agreed Convention to address the issue of minimum standards of competence for seafarers. In 1995 the STCW Convention was completely revised and updated to clarify the standards of competence required and provide effective mechanisms for enforcement of its provisions. Because of this, you may see the courses referred to as STCW 95.
What is on an STCW course?
Anyone wishing to work on commercial vessels that are over 24 metres long will have to obtain STCW qualifications before they seek employment. The type of qualifications you’ll need will greatly depend on the position you’re applying for and the post you’ll be assigned to once you’re on-board. However, at the very minimum, you will need to obtain the STCW Basic Safety Courses in order to apply to work on a ship. These courses can usually be completed within a week – during one block booking – at a designated STCW training centre.
The basic STCW courses are as follows:
- Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities – This is a classroom-based course that focuses on teaching the essentials of basic safety.
- BASIC Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting – This firefighting course covers both practical and theoretical situations that are taught by professional firefighters.
- Personal Survival Techniques – A theory and practical course, you will be taught how to abandon ship using life rafts and also how to don life jackets correctly.
- Elementary First Aid – A theory and practical course, during this session you will be taught vital basic 1st aid and life savings skills.
- Proficiency in Security Awareness – This theory based course is designed to explain how security systems work on board.
At the Bermuda Maritime Academy, our courses are approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a UK governemnt body, to ensure that you receive the best possible training. An MCA approved STCW course is one of the most widely recognised and respected courses in the world.
Our Facilities
Here at the Bermuda Maritime Academy, we run all of our training courses here at our Headquarters in Sandys, Bermuda. For our specialist Sea Survival courses we also use the National Stadium Pool.
Academy Headquarters – 13 Malabar Road, Sandys
Located opposite Theo’s Cove near Dockyard, our headquarters has everything you need for a fun and engaging training course. From a spacious air conditioned classroom area, kitchen and welfare facilities, to our bespoke and MCA approved Fire Training unit, we even have incredible sunsets!
National Sports Centre – Swimming Pool
Located in Devonshire, and just a few minutes away from Hamilton, the swimming pool at the National Sports Centre is perfect for the practical element of our Sea Survial Course.
Roll play through an emergency situation, learn how to safely enter the water and help your team get on board a liferaft.
With changing rooms and lockers on site, just bring your swim suit and a towel!