British Marine Training Academy launches with first online course

British Marine officially launched the British Marine Training Academy on Tuesday 22 September at the Southampton International Boat Show. The digital learning platform aims to make industry-led training more accessible to individuals and businesses across the leisure marine sector, and arrives with its first online course, Introduction to the Marine World.

The launch took place on the new British Marine Training Stand, alongside representatives from official course partner Clegg Gifford and founding partners Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, part of Howden; Skandinavian Agency Services S.A.C Marine Surveyors; Aqueduct Marina; and Bartons Solicitors. British Marine says their early backing, investment and industry insight played an important role in bringing the platform to life, and that visitors showed strong interest during the show’s opening days.

The Academy combines flexible online learning with expertise from across the sector, with a growing programme of courses for people entering the industry, developing their careers or strengthening existing skills.

The first course is aimed at people new to the leisure marine industry or preparing to join it, and at businesses wanting a consistent way to introduce new employees. It suits new starters, career changers, apprentices, trainees and early-career staff, as well as people in non-technical roles such as finance, HR, marketing, sales, administration and customer service. No marine industry or boating experience is required.

Taking about two hours, the course covers how the leisure marine industry is structured, types of boats, common marine terminology, regulation, safe working and professional behaviour, as well as leisure marine customers and their expectations. British Marine created it with contributions from industry experts.

Introduction to the Marine World costs from £99 (excluding VAT), with discounted Academy rates for British Marine members. Further courses are in development covering technical skills, compliance, leadership, professional development, innovation and the future challenges facing the industry, and businesses and individuals are being invited to suggest subjects.