South West Maritime Academy

South West Maritime Academy is an experienced and specialist provider of high-quality safety training. We provide expert instruction across a range of sectors, including maritime, renewables, the workplace, and the corporate world.

Based at our purpose-built training facility in South Gloucestershire, we offer a comprehensive suite of MCA-approved courses. Our portfolio includes the full STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) for new entrants, as well as the mandatory five-yearly STCW Update Training packages. Our specialist site is equipped for high-level technical training, including Advanced Fire Fighting, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (PSCRB), and Updated PSCRB (UPSCRB).

We have expanded our engineering and deck department offerings to include the MCA Approved Engine Course (AEC 1 & 2) and Efficient Deck Hand (EDH), providing essential pathways for those pursuing CoC certifications or superyacht careers. Furthermore, as an accredited Global Wind Organisation provider, we deliver GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) and GWO Refreshers for the renewables sector, covering Working at Heights, Manual Handling, Fire Awareness, First Aid, and Sea Survival.

Through our sister school, Palma Sea School in Mallorca, we offer an international reach, providing RYA Yachtmaster (Sail and Motor), MCA Engineering, and STCW courses in the heart of the Mediterranean. This partnership ensures our students have access to the "gold standard" of training whether in the UK or overseas.

Our specialist team of instructors all have professional, hands-on experience, ensuring participants benefit from direct industry knowledge. We remain committed to student success, maintaining a 100% pass rate across our courses. South West Maritime Academy is also a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, supporting service leavers in their transition to maritime and offshore careers.

How Can SWMA Help You?

Whether you are an individual starting your career or a large corporation seeking to ensure statutory compliance, we accommodate requirements ranging from one-off certifications to bespoke training packages.

Engineering & Deck Training

Our expanded department now offers the AEC 1 and AEC 2 qualifications, essential for dual-role deck/engineers and those working on vessels over 24m. We also provide the EDH course, a prerequisite for Officer of the Watch (Yacht) and Able Seafarer certifications.

Renewables & GWO

Supporting the rapid expansion of the wind industry, our GWO BST and Refresher modules provide the foundational safety skills and internationally recognised certification required to work on wind turbine generators (WTG) both onshore and offshore.

Maritime & Fire Safety

From STCW Basic Safety to Advanced Fire Fighting and PSCRB, we offer a "one-stop shop" for maritime safety. Our facility at Cromhall Quarry provides a realistic environment for live fire drills and water survival scenarios, ensuring you are fully prepared for any emergency at sea.