About Our Career Paths & Maritime Training

Choosing a career at sea is the start of a lifelong adventure, but we know that for a new starter or someone seeking a career change, the first steps can feel daunting. At South West Maritime Academy, we don’t just provide certificates; we provide the roadmap to a professional life on the water.

Our academy was founded and is run by experienced seafarers. We’ve been where you are, standing on the dock, wondering about the terminology, the training requirements, and how to land that first role. This section is designed to be your primary resource for navigating the maritime industry with confidence.

How Training with South West Maritime Academy Accelerates Your Career

Training is more than a “box-ticking” exercise; it is your competitive edge. Here are three examples of how starting your journey at our purpose-built Cromhall Quarry facility helps you stand out to employers:

1. The “Ready-to-Work” Advantage

Many maritime recruitment agencies prioritise candidates who are “fully ticketed.” By completing your STCW Basic Safety Training week with us, you arrive at an interview with your 5-day mandatory safety certification, security awareness, and medical fitness (ENG1) already in hand.

Result: You can be mobilised to a vessel immediately, making you a zero-risk hire for a recruiter.

2. Specialised Sector Pivoting

Our training isn’t just for one type of ship. If you are an engineer moving into offshore jobs, we help you bridge the gap between land-based skills and maritime requirements through the AEC 1 & 2 (Approved Engine Course).

Result: You can pivot your existing trade into the high-paying Oil & Gas or Renewables sectors with just one or two weeks of targeted training.

3. Practical, Hands-on Experience

Because we use a real-world training environment, including our dedicated lake and fire-fighting ground, our students leave with muscle memory, not just book knowledge. When a Captain asks if you’ve ever launched a life raft or handled a fire hose in smoke-filled conditions, you can answer with “yes” and the confidence to prove it.

Our Industry Links: From Training to Employment

We are proud to maintain strong relationships with leading recruiters and employers who trust the calibre of South West Maritime Academy graduates. Throughout these career guides, you will find direct links and advice relating to:

Seaworthy Consulting: Specialists in commercial shipping and offshore operations.
Mareel: Leaders in the rapidly expanding Renewables & Wind Farm sector.
WilsonHalligan: Experts in luxury Superyacht recruitment and interior crew.
Palma Sea School: Our sister school in Mallorca, providing the perfect bridge for those looking to work in the Mediterranean.

What You’ll Find in This Section

Explore our dedicated industry hubs to get a deep dive into your chosen path:

Industry Overviews: What the daily life, salary, and rotation patterns actually look like.
Training & STCW Guides: A clear breakdown of what STCW2010 means, when you need your 5-yearly updates, and which specific “tickets” move you up the ladder.
Recruitment Toolkits: Hints, tips, and templates from our team of former seafarers to help you hone your CV and ace your maritime interviews.

Need Personal Guidance?

If you’re unsure which sector matches your transferable skills, or you want to discuss a tailored training package, our team is here to advise. We speak your language because we’ve walked your path.