Richardson On Bermuda Maritime Academy

Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority CEO Francis Richardson said that the BSMA has worked “closely with the principles of the Bermuda Maritime Academy since its inception, and we have been very pleased to provide advice and support as it has been requested by them.”

The recently launched Bermuda Maritime Academy, a new not-for-profit organisation, aims to “focus on all aspects of the maritime environment including research, protection and utilisation, with an initial priority of facilitating resources and pathways for Bermudians seeking to pursue maritime careers.”

Mr. Richardson said, “One of the BSMA’s mandates is to promote maritime education and employment opportunities in the maritime sector, locally and internationally.

“Therefore, the BSMA has worked very closely with the principles of the Bermuda Maritime Academy since its inception, and we have been very pleased to provide advice and support as it has been requested by them.

“The Maritime Academy has consulted with key industry stakeholders both locally and abroad and have learned from those discussions, and they have prioritized their objectives to initially focus on what is needed immediately in Bermuda.

“We commend them for forming a partnership with Seascope Maritime Training, a very reputable UK maritime training organization, who bring their vast experience and skills to the Maritime Academy to train and certify Bermuda trainers, which ultimately will provide new opportunities for Bermudians.

“Leveraging our status and Category One membership of the UK Red Ensign Group of Shipping Registries, the BSMA has liaised directly with the Maritime Coast Guard Agency [MCA] in support of the Maritime Academy’s submission to become a MCA approved training centre, a process which is meticulous and demanding.

“We met with the MCA auditor while he was in Bermuda assessing and conducting the audit of Maritime Academy’s delivery of the five STCW courses and were pleased but not surprised to hear how impressed he was with the work done by the Maritime Academy.

“The delivery of the five basic STCW courses is just the beginning for the Maritime Academy. And we are already in discussions with them, with regards to how they can assist with the development and delivery of the appropriate course and programs which will be required when we transition to and implement new STCW standards and certification for the operation of vessels in Bermuda’s waters.

“We see our relationship with them as one of partnership and we are greatly looking forward to continuing to work with them in the coming weeks, indeed years.”

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