Bermuda’s very own maritime academy can now train pupils on island after receiving an internationally recognised certification.

The Bermuda Maritime Academy was given the green light from the Maritime Coastguard Agency to teach future maritime students to international professional standards.

The academy’s new standing will reduce the need to send aspiring maritime professionals to study abroad.

The Bermuda Maritime Academy now offers training and certification in the five central standards of training, certification and watchkeeping courses, alongside two refresher courses.

Referred to as STCW courses, they cover fire training, first aid, survival techniques, personal safety and social responsibility.

They are a mandatory requirement for anyone looking to work on a commercial vessel.

The fire course will be administered by trainers from Fire Life Safety Associates, who are certified by Britain’s Maritime Coastguard Agency and have been working with the academy since its creation.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Maritime Academy said that the certification represented “a significant milestone for the maritime industry in Bermuda”.

She added that this accreditation would be applicable for those willing to work at sea, including hospitality workers and entertainers on cruises.

The Bermuda Maritime Academy, located in Dockyard, has been operating a temporary pilot programme since December 2022.

The non-profit organisation hoped to bring to the island internationally accredited training for potential seamen, thereby cutting down on cost.

It received funding over the years from the Endeavour sailing programme and the shipping group CoolCo.

Michael Winfield, the chairman of the academy, thanked those involved with getting the school off the ground.

He said: “The UK Maritime Coastguard Agency is recognised as the industry gold standard for certification.

“It’s been a long hard road, with significant contribution from a few generous benefactors and focused work by our professional team and advisers.

“I am deeply grateful to our founding sponsors, our corporate sponsors who have generously provided their services at reduced rates to get us to this stage, and many more who have come forward and volunteered services and products.

“They share our vision, and together we have realised our dream. It’s something to celebrate.”

A full schedule of courses will start in November, with additional training opportunities also being looked into and suggestions being accepted.

Courses are expected to take place during the winter months to free up those who work during the busy summer season.

A spokeswoman for the academy warned that potential upcoming changes to seamanship licensing may require commercial crew members to become STCW-certified.

She added that the academy was preparing for what could be “increased demand”.

• More information about the training course offerings and schedules can be found on the Bermuda Maritime Academy’swebsite. Inquiries and suggestions about course scheduling can be sent to into@bermudamaritimeacademy.com