South West Maritime Academy

5.0 Average rating: Read reviews

South West Maritime Academy are an experienced and specialist provider of high quality safety training courses.

We provide training across a range of sectors, including maritime, workplace, business and to the public.

We are based at our purpose built training facility in the South West of England, which is used for a wide range of courses from the STCW95 including:
Water Safety/Personal Survival Techniques, Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting, Company Security officer, Advanced Fire, Proficiency in Designated Security Duties, Advanced Fire, Medical First Aid, Crisis Managament and Human Behaviour, Efficient Deck Hand, Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Fast Rescue Boats as well as a range of STCW2010 Update courses and Packages.

We also offer RYA courses such as VHF Radio and Powerboat Levels 1&2 both on site and at our RYA centre in Bristol.

Our workplace courses (including Basic First Aid, Paediatric CPR and Fire Marshal Training) can also be completed on client premises across the UK.

Our specialist team of instructors all have hands on and professional experience, ensuring that all participants benefit from direct personal knowledge & experience. Instructors can tailor courses to provide additional relevant information and to meet specific industry, workplace or local training requirements.

As a training centre, South West Maritime Academy are committed to the success and achievement of our students. Our pass rate for all courses is 100% (reflecting the focus we put on the success of every individual attendee to every course we run), and many of our previous participants have now secured employment and/or promotion, as well as the essential skills they required for their current roles.
South West Maritime Academy is a signatory of the Armed Forces Charter..

How Can SWMA Help You?

Whether you are an individual or large corporation looking to expand or refresh your skills and knowledge base, we can accommodate a wide range of requirements from one off training to an on-going bespoke training package to ensure statutory compliance across your organisation.

First Aid & Medical Training

The ability to provide basic CPR and first aid support is an essential skill which affects all aspects of our lives. Whether you work in education, construction, a corporate office environment or run your own business, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to provide first aid – in the vast majority of cases this will be to help someone you know. Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure that immediate first aid is available in the event of an accident or falling ill at work. Our courses cover a wide range of basic, intermediate and advanced first aid skills.

Maritime Training

Our maritime courses include STCW95/2010 Personal Survival Techniques, security, basic safety, basic and advanced fire prevention and fire fighting as well as specific powerboat courses and the Boat Masters’ License, which are Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) approved courses. We are able to offer combined package deals for a one stop shop for your maritime training requirements.

Fire Safety Training

From fire marshal training for workplace environments, to enclosed space on board fire prevention and MCA approved Advanced Fire Fighting, we can provide the essential skills and knowledge to prevent fire incidents and to safely utilise specialist equipment to control and extinguish fires.

STCW Training Centers

South West Maritime Academy have their training center located in Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.

Terms and Conditions

View the training school's Terms and Conditions.


Customer Reviews

South West Maritime Academy reviews as published on Google:

  • JOSEPH SIGLEY

    JOSEPH SIGLEY

    Average rating: a month ago

    Just spent the week here, doing my course, thank you all so much, amazing
    Teachers and iv learnt soooo much thank you guys, loved the course, 5x from me

  • Greg Donaldson

    Greg Donaldson

    Average rating: 2 weeks ago

    Having completed the STCW and AEC courses here. I found the facilities and teachers great.

  • Towfloat Gal (Towfloatgal)

    Towfloat Gal (Towfloatgal)

    Average rating: 4 months ago

    Beautiful view, crystal clear water for swimming/diving. Wild birds, little fish visible sometimes.
    Marquee for changing/shelter. Hot drinks/snack bar. Lifeguards & safety support. Online booking only. ?over 14's only for swimming though children allowed as spectators.

  • Sophia Geseova

    Sophia Geseova

    Average rating: 4 months ago

    Great personnel and facility. Very helpful and highly skilled professionals. Had a great time for the whole week and learned a lot of new things!

  • Matthew Warren

    Matthew Warren

    Average rating: 7 months ago

    What an excellent facility SWMA provides. The MCA Approved Engine Course 1 that I completed was delivered by a very knowledgeable trainer with extensive real world experience and whose anecdotes really helped to bring the subject matter to life. Training material went beyond the MCA's minimum criteria and was delivered in a way that made it relevant to attendees with differing backgrounds and interests. The team on site are universally warm and welcoming. Thanks for a great week.

  • Elle

    Elle

    Average rating: August 4, 2023

    Absolutely gorgeous. Cold turquoise water. They also have a changing tent and can to get hot drinks.

  • Fiona Hampton-Matthews

    Fiona Hampton-Matthews

    Average rating: July 27, 2023

    If you have dive kit which needs servicing then Tony who runs the workshop here is your man. Very helpful.

  • Stephen Bennett

    Stephen Bennett

    Average rating: June 20, 2023

    Great STCW 2010 course led by some really fantastic staff and Instructors.

  • Tom Smethurst

    Tom Smethurst

    Average rating: March 30, 2023

    Excellent training centre! Staff are very knowledgeable and good fun and the facilities are great. Particularly like the use of the quarry for survival training, makes it seem more realistic than a heated swimming pool! Will definitely be returning for more courses in the future.

  • Tom Bolton

    Tom Bolton

    Average rating: February 8, 2023

    Well delivered course, good facilities, really knowledgeable instructors and helpful staff.

  • Scott Wylie

    Scott Wylie

    Average rating: November 24, 2022

    I attended South West Maritime Academy for my Sea Survival course. Having the quarry and ability to enter the water from height is a great advantage over training in a swimming pool as it prepares you for what it might be like to enter the water in a realistic way (i.e. water temperature, outdoor weather, etc.). The instructor was very knowledgably, the course material was covered at good (correct) pace and I feel comfortable with working at sea as a result.

    I would have no problem recommending them for anyone needing this type of training and I will contact them again when a refresher is needed or something else they cover is required by me or my employer.

  • Jose Hernandez

    Jose Hernandez

    Average rating: November 17, 2022

    My experience in this school has been wonderful. The facilities are very complete, and the treatment of the administration is very good. Jon and Andrew the teachers are very professional and patient. I recommend it to anyone who needs to train in the maritime sector

  • Andy White

    Andy White

    Average rating: November 14, 2022

    A fantastic experience. Thankyou Jon Lewis for sharing your experience and running an excellent course - the teaching was top notch !!

  • Gezza Gezza

    Gezza Gezza

    Average rating: October 25, 2022

    Fantastic place to go to. Did my stcw2010 updates 4 day course last week. Very well run and organised course and all very professional. Very informative and helpful instructors. Also reception staff very helpful when booking course. Keep up the great work. Gerry.

  • Sarah Evans

    Sarah Evans

    Average rating: March 3, 2022

    Amazing safe place to swim . Lovely people using it and staff friendly and professional.

  • Dave Ainslie

    Dave Ainslie

    Average rating: January 28, 2022

    Good course to attend.

  • Alison Herbert

    Alison Herbert

    Average rating: January 20, 2022

    Undertook the basic STCW course in July 2021 during the hottest week of the year in preparation for working with a NGO in the Oceania region. Great team of instructors who communicated well with all levels and all ages. As the oldest person on my course, by a couple of decades at least, my needs were met as well as the youngest on the course.

  • William Trezise

    William Trezise

    Average rating: December 12, 2021

    This is a great training venue, for scuba diving.
    Friendly helpful staff, with hands off approach, very refreshing.
    Thank you I hope 2022 will bring us back again.

  • GD Buller

    GD Buller

    Average rating: December 6, 2021

    Second time here in 5 years, all good ex professionals taking classes..

  • Alan Ham

    Alan Ham

    Average rating: October 17, 2021

    Good experience well knowable teaching staff made everyone welcome. Would recommend

  • Gregg Ruthven

    Gregg Ruthven

    Average rating: July 19, 2021

    Great team of instructors with a wide range of knowledge and experience.

  • Liam Sams

    Liam Sams

    Average rating: June 29, 2021

    Great instruction throughout all courses, knowledgeable and approachable staff

  • Luke Doyle

    Luke Doyle

    Average rating: June 17, 2021

    I never heard of this training centre before, I did a google search for STCW renewals. I completed the 4days renewals. From the start of enquiring about the course and the questions, they have a friendly response quickly. Easy to book on the required course online. They are happy to receive emails with questions and phone calls. They really do put the students first.
    All the staff working there are top of their game, knowledgable approachable and friendly.
    I would highly recommend this place for your STCW short course, with a great location easy to get to with plenty of accommodation near by.
    The courses are run to a very high standard while keeping everything realistic. The instructors have a extremely high level of knowledge and experience. It shows they are still active either in the fire brigade or on ship. So they are in tune with latest techniques, procedures and requirements. I have taken away a lot of new techniques.
    The practical sessions in fire fighting and sea survival was really enjoyable, energetic and all learning points covered clearly.
    All their equipment is of a very high quality and in a fantastic condition especially considering it’s used by students all the time. I have been to many training schools and got soaked in a immersion suit but stayed bone dry in there’s.
    Highly recommend South West Maritime Academy to all. I will be doing my next course there to.

  • mandy thorne

    mandy thorne

    Average rating: May 3, 2021

    Very well organised. One way in and out.

  • tom eves

    tom eves

    Average rating: January 26, 2021

    Great place to do your training, good facilities and staff

  • John Purves

    John Purves

    Average rating: November 26, 2020

    Great facilities for carrying out basic and refresher courses for mariners. Lecturers are very knowledgeable and friendly, and keep you involved (and therefore awake).

  • Helen Forsyth

    Helen Forsyth

    Average rating: October 19, 2020

    Open Water Swimmer. Lovely sense of community about the place, people friendly and relaxed, staff helpful. Feel safe in the water as always someone watching. Water clean and clear, easy parking. Loo X2 on site and shipping containers to get changed in, if you need a little protection from the elements!

  • lisa evett

    lisa evett

    Average rating: October 18, 2020

    Lovely place for a swim. Friendly people, great scenery and warmest water out of my local places to swim.

  • Kiren Fernandes

    Kiren Fernandes

    Average rating: October 18, 2020

    As a long time member of Crommy was gutted when Maggie and Simon had announced they were no longer going to run the place. However the team who have re-opened it have surpassed expectations. They have done a great job.It’s the safe wonderful place open to all open water swimmers newbies, oldies and all in between.

  • Dave Mason

    Dave Mason

    Average rating: October 18, 2020

    I am a new diver and used the facilities at Cromhall quarry for the first time last week. Thoroughly enjoyed my time there with two great dives. The quarry is local to me and I will likely become a regular there. New kitting up benches made things easy for us. It was great to see the aircraft recently added to the sights to see on the quarry floor a long with shoals of minnows in the shallows. Looking forward to exploring some more

  • Peter Hall

    Peter Hall

    Average rating: September 29, 2020

    Five star service on diving cylinder fills and testing. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. Good prices. Highly recommended.

  • Conor Magennis

    Conor Magennis

    Average rating: August 25, 2020

    excellent training centre

  • Masile89

    Masile89

    Average rating: August 12, 2020

    Excellent facilities, very good staff

  • Eddie Watkins

    Eddie Watkins

    Average rating: June 19, 2020

    Great STCW Course, very professional. The course was run with all the guidelines to Covid-19 in place and everyone felt very safe and happy to comply. Would 100% recommend to anyone.

  • Peter Medlock

    Peter Medlock

    Average rating: February 28, 2020

    Great course taught by a wide variety of experienced professionals instructors

  • Greg Hancock

    Greg Hancock

    Average rating: December 19, 2019

    Adv fire, felt like an Instructors instructors course. Good guys no BS get on and do it.

  • Ana Rita Da Silva

    Ana Rita Da Silva

    Average rating: December 16, 2019

    I recently completed the STCW course and can honestly say it was insane. In a good way. I never imagined being in those situations but I now know how to deal with it if it ever happens. The professionalism, knowledge and banter from the instructors made this whole week amazing. I highly recommend South West Maritime Academy. Thank you so much to John and Luke for pushing us beyond our comfort zone!! WE MADE IT.

  • I’m Owen Jackson

    I’m Owen Jackson

    Average rating: December 16, 2019

    I completed my STCW training here this week for my new position with Virgins Scarlett Lady. The instructors were incredibly friendly yet the professionalism, knowledge and ability to instruct can not be faulted. The course was filled with a lot of information and exercises that seemed very daunting but through the exceptional training given I felt confident with the situation at hand by the time it came to it. Whatever course you are looking to do and wherever you are from, I would undoubtably recommend Southwest Maritime Academy. Thanks Jon and the team!

  • Jack

    Jack

    Average rating: December 4, 2019

    Well what can I say other than amazing....... from the grounds and set up to the people on site! The level of knowledge provided from these guys is outstanding, after completing my STCW training course I now feel I have the best set up for the super yacht industry.
    The equipment at South West Maritime Academy is kept to the highest of standards which again provides me with the up most confidence in the training provided.

    While talking with South West Maritime I found out about their sister school "Palma sea school" based In Palma which offers a vast number of courses and training. I proceeded to complete my day skipper with theirselves again to the highest of standards and absolutely over the moon with the training/knowledge I received from the expert instructors!

    Update: since completing my STCW course I have returned to complete my RYA Vhf exam which again was outstanding, on arrival I was greeted with with happy staff with smiling faces which to me says a lot about the working/training environment of the establishment.
    Can't wait to return to complete my MCA AEC course later this month.

  • Andrew Griffiths

    Andrew Griffiths

    Average rating: October 31, 2019

    Without doubt, the best maritime training I've experienced. Very enthusiastic, experienced and committed instructors, that relate to real world scenarios. Not just ticking boxes.

  • Ethan Paint

    Ethan Paint

    Average rating: October 29, 2019

    Great place to do a few courses. The instructors are very knowledgeable and great at getting the class involved. Interactive training and very useful, I’d certainly come back for any additional courses.

  • Bruce Watson

    Bruce Watson

    Average rating: July 13, 2019

    A definite 1st choice for all potential candidates for STCW and maritime qualifications. The level of professionalism and realism relayed throughout the course is staggering. Life like scenarios carried out in a manner that allows for learning without prejudice and caters for all aspects of individual skill sets. The instructors are personable, informed and decent blokes. I didn’t imagine I’d enjoy the course as much as I did. I now feel far better prepared to face some of the unfortunate challenges one might face at sea, but better prepared for a crisis on land too. There aren’t enough superlatives to express to this fine establishment how superb they are.

  • Keith Benson

    Keith Benson

    Average rating: October 16, 2018

    The quality of the courses, the location and the knowledge & professionalism displayed by Johnathan and his team are simply outstanding. This is a 5 Star company and I highly recommend them to anyone wishing to attain any of the qualifications they offer.

  • joanne wayne

    joanne wayne

    Average rating: October 13, 2018

    I did STCW here and these guys were brilliant. Very experienced trainers who make the training interesting and relevant. They were also very patient and put you at ease when doing some of the more challenging fire scenarios. Definitely recommend them!

  • Matthew Oosthuizen

    Matthew Oosthuizen

    Average rating: October 12, 2018

    Instructors were absolutely bang on, no questions left unanswered and actually left with a few good mates!

    Thoroughly recommend this one, they’re not money hungry, they actually take the time and have the patience.

    Definitely will be using these guys again for future courses.

    See you soon!

  • James Steer

    James Steer

    Average rating: October 12, 2018

    South West Maritime Academy delivered all our STCW update training for over 90 people. The training was second to none and the guys at SWMA really know their stuff. Since then, they have continued to support our training needs and have delivered Company Security Officer Training, Personal Survival Techniques and others training. They have also developed and delivered bespoke first aid training on board our ships, which received positive feedback from those involved.

    I can't recommend them enough.

  • Pete Thorpe

    Pete Thorpe

    Average rating: October 12, 2018

    Amazing venue and facilities coupled with experienced and professional trainers. Would certainly recommend to anyone looking for a quality training experience! From the initial booking right through to the end of the course, the support we all received was second to none.Thanks once again to Johnathan and the team - We will certainly be back for more!

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Courses

STCW Basic Safety Training (New Entrants)
STCW 95 Basic Safety Training Course package
STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques (Sea Survival Course)
STCW 95 Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
STCW 95 Elementary First Aid
STCW Refresher
Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Updated Proficiency in Personal Survival Techniques
Updated Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
Updated Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats
STCW updating training - 2 Day Package
STCW updating training - 3 Day Package
STCW updating training - 4 Day Package
STCW updating training - 5 Day Package
Firefighting
Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
Updated Proficiency in Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Updated Proficiency in Advanced Fire Fighting
Advanced Fire Fighting
Medical
STCW 95 Elementary First Aid
STCW Proficiency in Medical First Aid
Life / Rescue Boat
Updated Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than Fast Rescue Boats
Updated Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (STCW PSCRB)
Proficiency in Fast Rescue Boats
Safety Management
Crisis Management and Human Behaviour for Passenger Ships (STCW)
Crowd Management
Security
Proficiency in Security Awareness
Proficiency in Designated Security Duties Course – PDSD
Ship Security Officer (SSO)
Company Security Officer (CSO)
Deck, Bridge, Dynamic Positioning, Navigation
Efficient Deck Hand (EDH)
Superyachts - Deck
RYA Powerboat Level 2
Superyachts - Engine
Approved Engine Course 1 (AEC1)
Workboat/Windfarm Vessel
BML Boatmasters Licence Ancillary Training
BML Fire Safety
BML First Aid
BML Water Safety
Additional STCW courses
Approved Engine Course 2 (AEC2)
Company Security Officer (CSO) Top-Up
Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (Restricted)