The launch of a new academy to help Bermudians train for jobs on the seas has been backed by the CEO of the island’s maritime authority.

Last week saw the launch of the Bermuda Maritime Academy which will offer international certifications on island, with classroom portions of courses being offered through Bermuda College.

The non-profit organisation is set to offer the standards of training, certification and watchkeeping course, which is made up of five components covering fire training, first aid, survival techniques, personal safety and social responsibility. It is a basic standard for many seafaring positions which has not been available on island.

Francis Richardson, CEO of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, said one of the organisation’s mandates is to promote maritime education and employment opportunities in the maritime sector, locally and internationally.

“Therefore, the BSMA has worked very closely with the principles of the Bermuda Maritime Academy since its inception, and we have been very pleased to provide advice and support as it has been requested by them.

“The Maritime Academy has consulted with key industry stakeholders both locally and abroad and have learnt from those discussions, and they have prioritised their objectives to initially focus on what is needed immediately in Bermuda.”

He said the academy should be commended for forming a partnership with Seascope Maritime Training, a “very reputable UK maritime training organisation, who bring their vast experience and skills to the Maritime Academy to train and certify Bermuda trainers, which ultimately will provide new opportunities for Bermudians”.

Mr Richardson added: “Leveraging our status and Category One membership of the UK Red Ensign Group of Shipping Registries, the BSMA has liaised directly with the Maritime Coast Guard Agency in support of the Maritime Academy’s submission to become a MCA approved training centre, a process which is meticulous and demanding.

“We met with the MCA auditor while he was in Bermuda assessing and conducting the audit of Maritime Academy’s delivery of the five STCW courses and were pleased but not surprised to hear how impressed he was with the work done by the Maritime Academy.”

He said the delivery of the five basic STCW courses was just the beginning for the Maritime Academy.

“And we are already in discussions with them, with regards to how they can assist with the development and delivery of the appropriate course and programmes which will be required when we transition to and implement new STCW standards and certification for the operation of vessels in Bermuda’s waters.

“We see our relationship with them as one of partnership and we are greatly looking forward to continuing to work with them in the coming weeks, indeed years.”

For more information, visit bermudamaritimeacademy.com.