Who We Are

South West Maritime Academy (SWMA) is a leading specialist provider of high-quality training courses. We are dedicated to equipping individuals and organizations with essential skills for maritime, industrial, and emergency environments.

Our prime location in South West England, situated just off a major junction of the M5 motorway within striking distance of both Bristol and South Wales, means we are ideally placed to provide training solutions for the entire region.

While our training is largely run from our unique, bespoke training facility, we also offer flexibility. We can provide specific training on-site for clients—such as Emergency First Aid at Work and Fire Marshal group courses—tailored to suit your business type, location, or site requirements.

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide accessible training to all who require it for their roles, careers, and livelihoods. We aim to be a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of age, career stage, or previous experience.

We strive to be a one-stop-shop for those gaining essential training. Our goal is to help you achieve the skills and certifications required in the shortest possible time, keeping costs and time-loss low while maximizing rewards. We take pride in seeing our trainees progress into exciting roles and welcoming them back for career development and refresher courses. We are more than just a ‘tick box’—we want to arm and equip people with the skills they need for success and safety.

Our Core Principles

We believe that creativity and innovation are key to developing tailored services. Our operations are guided by six fundamental principles:

  • Excellence & Commitment: We believe in what we do. We go the extra mile to ensure trainees leave with a full understanding of the subject matter.

  • Client-Centric Approaches: We recognize that no two organizations are alike. We adapt our solutions to suit specific needs and goals.

  • Safety First: We care about people. We ensure the training environment is safe and that trainees leave able to apply their skills to protect themselves and others.

  • Sustainability: We work sustainably to preserve the environments in which we work and play, minimizing our impact for future generations.

  • Innovation: We utilize creativity to keep our team motivated and to ensure our services are constantly improving to meet client needs.

  • Quality Assurance: We are committed to high-quality work and actively seek feedback to continually improve our standards.

Our Instructors

What truly sets us apart is our team. Unlike some training providers, our specialist team of instructors is selected for their extensive experience across emergency medicine, military, and maritime environments.

This ensures that all participants benefit from the direct personal experience of their instructors, rather than just theoretical knowledge. Participants master the required skills through a combination of independent study, instructor-led skills development, and realistic scenario practice sessions.

Our Expertise

Whether you are an individual or a large corporation looking to expand your skills base, we accommodate a wide range of disciplines:

Maritime Training

We cover a broad spectrum of Maritime Safety, including STCW and STCW2010 Update training, all approved by the MCA. Our courses include personal survival techniques, security, basic safety, and fire prevention. We also offer Maritime Leisure training based around the RYA syllabus (Powerboat Level 2, VHF Radio, etc.).

Medical Training

From Emergency First Aid at Work to AED and Medical First Aid courses, we provide essential skills for education, construction, and corporate environments. Employers have a legal duty of care, and our courses cover basic, intermediate, and advanced first aid skills to ensure compliance and safety.

Fire Safety Training

Our fire training includes STCW Advanced Fire Fighting and workplace Fire Marshal courses. We provide the essential skills to prevent fire incidents and safely utilize specialist equipment to control and extinguish fires in both workplace and enclosed space environments.

Bespoke & Corporate Training

We offer tailored options for organizations in the maritime industry as well as corporate clients across various sectors. We can help you complete skills gap assessments and design programmes that facilitate compliance with statutory requirements.

Why Choose Us?

  • We are Different: Our instructors have real-life experience in the environments they teach. Their passion for imparting knowledge is second to none.
  • We are Engaging: We utilize active participation, hands-on learning, and realistic scenarios to ensure training is effective and memorable.
  • We are Successful: We boast a 100% pass rate for all courses. Additionally, 100% of those who have completed our training would recommend us to a friend.
  • We Support You: From operating on your premises or onboard vessels (maritime only) to providing ongoing video refresh support, we adapt to your needs. We also provide reminders when re-certification is required to ensure continued compliance.

Armed Forces Covenant

We have a strong commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Our belief in the skills and values offered by former service personnel is reflected in the support we offer and our recognition as a Silver Award holder of the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Contact Us

For more information about individual courses or to discuss bespoke training programmes, please contact us:

  • Email: info@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

  • Phone: +44 (0)1454 260 130