Specialist Maritime & Wind Energy Training Hub
South West Maritime Academy is a premier provider of STCW Basic Safety Training and GWO courses for mariners and offshore technicians. Located near Bristol and Gloucester, our facility at Cromhall Quarry offers a realistic environment for Sea Survival, Fire Fighting, and Work at Height training that indoor centers cannot replicate.
STCW Basic Safety Training
The mandatory 5-day safety week for all seafarers, compliant with the STCW 2010 Manila Amendments. Essential for commercial maritime careers.
STCW Refresher Training
Keep your certifications valid. We provide 5-yearly mandatory updating training for Fire Fighting and Sea Survival as per MCA requirements.
GWO Basic Safety Training
Kickstart your career in renewables. Our GWO BST program provides the mandatory safety standards for the global offshore wind industry.
Survival Craft & Rescue Boats (PSCRB)
Comprehensive training for crew members responsible for launching and taking charge of survival craft or rescue boats in emergency situations.
Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
Often referred to as Sea Survival training, this module provides essential knowledge of life-saving appliances and survival techniques at sea.
Approved Engine Courses (AEC1 & AEC2)
Master marine engineering. Combine AEC1 & AEC2 into a single package to gain the vital MCA-approved skills required for yacht and small craft engineering.
The South West Maritime Academy Experience
From the North Sea wind farms to global superyachts, we provide the essential safety training required for a career at sea or offshore. Discover why hundreds of delegates choose us every year.
Expert Instruction
Our team consists of master mariners, navy veterans, and emergency service professionals who bring decades of real-world survival experience to every course.
Elite Facilities
Train in a realistic, controlled outdoor environment at Cromhall Quarry and The Lake. Our site offers water access and professional rigs that indoor pools cannot replicate.
Global Accreditation
Fully certified by the MCA, GWO, and RYA, your credentials will be recognised by major offshore energy and commercial maritime employers worldwide.
Established Trust
With years of operation in South Gloucestershire and a reputation for excellence, we have built long-standing relationships with industry-leading firms across the UK.
Specialised Career Pathways
Find the right training for your industry. Select a pathway below to view mandatory certification requirements and entry-level career guidance.
Renewable Energy
Essential GWO Basic Safety Training for wind turbine technicians and offshore wind farm personnel.
Superyachts
STCW and RYA training for interior crew and deckhands entering the luxury yachting industry.
Cruise Ships
Mandatory STCW safety modules and security training for hospitality and deck crew on commercial liners.
Merchant Navy
Compliance-led training for officers and ratings across the global commercial shipping fleet.
Oil & Gas
Safety certifications required for personnel operating on offshore platforms and support vessels.
Commercial Diving
Vital first aid and oxygen administration training tailored for professional diving environments.
