About South West Maritime Academy
Company Overview
South West Maritime Academy (SWMA), a private maritime and safety-training provider
HeadquartersCromhall Quarry, Woodend Lane, Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, England
Founded2017
SizeApproximately 50 employees ranged from 11–50 in recent years (source: linkedin.com)
What They Do
South West Maritime Academy specializes in delivering MCA-approved maritime training, RYA boating instruction, fire and medical training, security courses, and bespoke safety training tailored for maritime and corporate clients (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). Their core focus is practical, regulatory, and professional training aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), serving commercial shipping, offshore operations, and leisure boating sectors (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). SWMA offers a broad portfolio including STCW basic and refresher courses, advanced maritime certifications such as Advanced Fire Fighting and Fast Rescue Boat training, as well as RYA Powerboat Level 2 instruction at their Portishead Marina facility (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). They also provide bespoke organisational training, safety and support services, and have expanded their offerings to include Global Wind Organisation safety training for offshore wind personnel, reflecting their adaptability to adjacent maritime-related sectors (source: linkedin.com). Their integrated approach combines classroom instruction, practical exercises, and specialist facilities at a purpose-built site near Bristol, enabling comprehensive maritime safety education (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com).
Projects & Track Record
SWMA’s flagship asset is its purpose-built maritime training facility located at Cromhall Quarry in Gloucestershire, which supports practical and theoretical instruction including sea survival, lifeboat training, and firefighting exercises (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). Complementing this is their RYA Training Centre at Portishead Marina, which facilitates RYA Powerboat Level 2 and practical Fast Rescue Boat courses, providing direct access to marina waters for hands-on training (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). The company has also established bespoke training facilities in Palma, Majorca, enabling delivery of a substantial portion of their course portfolio internationally (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). SWMA’s operations are recognized within UK government maritime safety training frameworks, underscoring their credibility and regulatory compliance (source: publishing.service.gov.uk).
Recent Developments
In recent years, SWMA has actively promoted Global Wind Organisation safety training tailored for offshore wind-energy professionals, highlighting their engagement with evolving industry safety standards (source: linkedin.com). The company has expanded its instructional team, as evidenced by a 2023 recruitment drive for maritime safety instructors to deliver MCA- and RYA-approved courses in a hands-on training environment (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). SWMA continues to adapt its course offerings in response to technological and regulatory changes, seeking instructors with strong maritime backgrounds to support this growth (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com).
Working There
Employment at SWMA primarily centers on maritime safety instructor roles, which involve delivering MCA- and RYA-aligned courses combining classroom teaching with practical exercises in sea survival, lifeboat training, and firefighting (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). Functional areas likely include fire training, medical and first-aid instruction, security training, RYA powerboat courses, course administration, client support, and business development for bespoke training programs (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). The main hiring location is Cromhall, South Gloucestershire, with some roles involving assignments at Portishead and Palma, Majorca, depending on operational needs (source: linkedin.com). SWMA fosters a hands-on, collaborative working environment where instructors are actively engaged in both theoretical and practical course delivery, and encourages staff to expand course offerings in line with evolving maritime technologies and regulations (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com). The 2023 maritime safety instructor vacancy offered a salary range of £28,000 38,000 plus package, reflecting competitive compensation for qualified candidates (source: southwestmaritimeacademy.com).
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