maritime training | The Maritime Skills Academy

Which Marine Course Should I Take?

If you’re considering a career at sea, or looking to work in the maritime industry, there will be marine courses that you will need to complete.

However, not all courses are mandatory, as it will still depend on the role you’re looking for.

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we offer a variety of marine courses that can open a number of doors.

Basic Safety Training (BST)

Starting with the most important marine course, by gaining your BST, you’ll be able to apply for a wide range of roles.

The BST course covers all five modules that make up the basic Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification, including:

Fire prevention & Fire Fighting
Personal Survival Techniques
Elementary first Aid
Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
Security Awareness

Which Jobs Require BST?

Holding the Basic STCW certification is a legal requirement for any mariner that works on board a commercial vessel longer than 24 metres, including ferries, tankers, cruise ships and more. In addition, the BST is a prerequisite for many more advanced courses that will help to develop your career at sea.

How often do I need to refresh my maritime training?

(updating courses as per Manila amendments)

Here are the refreshers that require updating every 5 years:

UPST (0.5 days theory and practical)
UFP&FF (1 day practical)
UAFF (1 day theory)
UPSCRB (0.5 or 1 day Theory and practical)
UFRB (0.5 day or 1 day theory and practical)
UPMC (medical care 3 days practical)

It is mandatory for all crew to retake the courses every five years. Refreshers are shorter than the full course you took the first time around. You also have the option to self-declare onboard training so you can take shortened updating courses.

GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)

GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) is an internationally recognised health and safety certification for people working in the wind energy industry. The program covers five key safety topics, including:

Fire awareness
First aid
Manual handling
Sea survival
Working at heights

MSA has partnered with Checkmate (HART) to offer all modules of the GWO BST programme. At MSA Dover, we offer the GWO Sea Survival course, covering the topics:

Risks related to transfers
Transfer from vessel to dock and vessel to foundation
Emergency and safety procedures on installations, vessels, and WTG
Evacuation from WTG to the water by means of rescue device
Individual and collective survival techniques at sea

The one-day intensive course combines both theory and practical elements to ensure that students are prepared for any eventuality while working offshore.

What Jobs Require GWO Basic Safety Training (BST)?

The GWO BST is required for all workers in the offshore renewables industry, including:

Technicians
Engineers
Project Managers
Management Staff

Currently, the UK offshore renewables industry employs 40,000 workers, with that number expected to rise to 97,000 by 2030, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity to work in this growing industry.

MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)

The MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1) is a must for anyone looking to pursue a career as a marine engineer or ship operator aboard a commercial vessel under 24 meters in length.

Not only is the course recognised (and often required) by private captains and charter companies, but it is also a required step toward obtaining the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency from the MCA.

The AEC1 course covers a variety of topics, including:

Compression ignition engines
Two- and four-stroke operation cycles
Fuel systems
Cooling systems
Electrical systems
Lubrication technologies
Power transmission units

Over the five-day course, students will receive both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with engines, allowing them to put their new knowledge to the test.

What Jobs Require MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)?

Although the MCA Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1) isn’t legally required for work aboard commercial vessels under 24 meters in length, it is typically required (or preferred) by private captains and charter companies.

In addition, the AEC1 course is a necessary step toward obtaining the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency from the MCA. Obtaining the Engineer Officer Certificate of Competency along with the Basic STCW certification allows holders to serve as chief or first assistant engineer on Merchant Navy vessels of any size.

Launch Your Maritime Career at the Maritime Skills Academy

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to the question, “Which maritime course is best?”

The best marine course for you will depend on your career goals and the type of vessel you hope to work on.

Discover our MCA, GWO, and BMA approved courses that will help you launch your maritime career.

To learn more about our courses or to find out which one is right for you, feel free to browse our course catalogue or contact our booking team to discuss your requirements.

Damage Control Training: Practical Drills & Onboard Exercises That Work

In order for damage control training to have a valuable and lasting effect on crew, a mixture of classroom teaching and practical exercises is required.

In the heat of the moment, with high-pressure water streams pouring in every direction, logic and composure can be compromised.

Damage control delegates holding up paratech in simulation container

That’s why, at the Maritime Skills Academy, we host our training in four stages: classroom learning, dry practice, external practice, and a final exercise with a fully simulated hull breach and burst pipes.

Damage control training drills and exercises

Flooding Response and Scenarios

Using our damage control simulation container, we can replicate onboard emergencies that require crew to practice closing watertight doors, isolating compartments, and performing counterflooding and ballast adjustments.

With progressive flooding, crew will be able to manage prioritisation, evaluating which area is the greatest contributor and which will become submerged first.

Shoring and Patching Drills

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we simulate realistic water flows to train crew in the use of shores, timber, box patches and collision mats, all whilst operating under growing pressure. Putting crew in a simulated environment allows a deeper understanding of equipment capabilities and limitations.

Damage control delegates practicing leak management. Using a simulation box

Creating scenarios like this not only prepares teams for the worst but also improves cross-department cooperation and teamwork.

Communication and Command Drills

Damage control training puts a team’s communication skills to the test. Operating under loud, stressful and uncomfortable conditions can disrupt clear, effective communication and put the vessel at risk of further damage.

This is why a clear hierarchy and action plan are a necessity in emergency situations like this. If team members are all aware of their roles and who they answer to, there is no need to delegate in response to an emergency.

Four damage control delegates fitting paratech in a container during their final exercise

Similarly, using equipment to communicate across departments and to shore is essential for managing a damaged ship. Shore-based professionals will need to be aware of the ship’s condition to prepare emergency services for rescues and clear space for the vessel if an emergency stop is required.

Abandon Ship and Casualty Triage Rehearsals

If the damage is beyond management, crew will be required to organise an abandon ship scenario. At the Maritime Skills Academy, we train delegates on safe handover practices that reduce confusion and casualties.

Damage Control Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

We believe in training crew to manage damage control scenarios, using industry-standard equipment and technology that will be accessible when on board. Simulating multiple real-world scenarios that will prepare crew to work as a team to manage flooding and further damage.

Investing in regular damage control training is essential for vessels carrying valuable cargo, whether it be goods or passengers, and can save lives.

To find out more about our facilities’ damage control capabilities, find the full course details here, or to book contact our team today.

The MCA has announced new requirements for PSSR: Here’s how the changes will affect you

New changes to the STCW PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility) course have been introduced in 2026, to include more training and awareness on sexual harassment and assault.

PSSR students in classroom, learning about latest updates

New modules will be added to the course structure to ensure all crew members are educated in the prevention of violence and harassment, including bullying. Although not mandatory, it would be beneficial for all crew to be trained in the updated course structure to ensure conduct on board is to the highest standard.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for passengers?

The intention of introducing further learning to PSSR, to educate crew on violence and harassment, is to improve the social experience on board a vessel, for crew and passengers alike. Crew will be better equipped to handle onboard conflicts, manage relationships and behave appropriately. Promoting respectful, dignified conduct will result in a better passenger experience and improve the reputation of industry workers.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for crew?

For crew members updating their training, there will be little change to the course they took previously, apart from the duration being slightly longer to accommodate the new topics.

Cruise Ship sailing on a clear sunny day

Violence and harassment have always been against policy on board a vessel; however, the new training in PSSR will give crew the skills they need to de-escalate a situation and manage relationships on board.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for training companies?

Any course change requires extensive research and training. Instructors will need to become well-versed in the updated course content so that they can confidently deliver the training to the crew. It is also important for a maritime training centre to contact its clients, ensuring they are well aware of the changes and advising them on how best to proceed.

STCW students in classroom learning about PSSR

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we can help your training company stay up to date with ever-evolving course and industry regulations. If you’d like to book PSSR training for yourself or your crew, then please contact our team today to find out more.