British Marine has launched a new digital Training Academy to make industry-led training more accessible to individuals and businesses across the leisure marine sector.
The British Marine Training Academy was formally unveiled at the Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday, the 22nd of September, alongside its first online course, Introduction to the Marine World.
The platform combines flexible online learning with expertise drawn from across the marine sector and is intended to support people entering the industry as well as those developing their careers or existing skills.
Training for Marine Industry Careers
British Marine said there had been strong interest in the Academy during the opening days of the Southampton show, particularly from businesses seeking ways to introduce new employees to the industry.
Manj Mahey, Head of Training at British Marine, said the response showed demand for accessible, sector-specific training.
“We have spoken to businesses looking for more effective ways to introduce new employees to the industry, as well as individuals keen to build their knowledge and progress their careers,” Mahey said.
“Our aim is to provide trusted, flexible and genuinely useful learning shaped by the industry for the industry.”
The Academy has been developed with official course partner Clegg Gifford and founding partners Haven Knox-Johnston Commercial, part of Howden; Scandinavian Agency Services S.A.C Marine Surveyors; Aqueduct Marina; and Bartons Solicitors.
Toby Clegg, CEO of Clegg Gifford, said businesses investing in knowledge and professional development were better equipped to manage risk, support employees and plan for the future.
First Course Introduces Marine Sector
The Academy's first course, Introduction to the Marine World, is aimed at people new to the leisure marine industry or preparing to enter it.
It is designed for new starters, career changers, apprentices, trainees, and early-career employees, as well as those joining marine businesses in non-technical roles, including finance, HR, marketing, sales, administration, and customer service. No previous boating or marine-industry experience is required.
The approximately two-hour course covers the structure of the leisure marine industry, boat types and marine terminology, regulation, safe working and professional behaviour. It also introduces leisure marine customers and potential career-development opportunities.
The course is available from £99 excluding VAT, with discounted rates for British Marine members.
More Courses Planned
Further Academy courses are being developed in areas including technical skills, compliance, leadership, professional development and innovation, as well as future challenges facing the marine industry.
British Marine is also inviting businesses and individuals to suggest subjects for future courses.
“The Academy has been designed to develop alongside the industry,” Mahey said. “We want businesses and learners to tell us where they need support so we can create courses that respond directly to the skills, knowledge and challenges that matter to them.”
