Marine safety training back at HLSCC

Internationally recognised safety training for seafarers is returning to H. Lavity Stoutt Community College after a pause required to rebuild and upgrade facilities, the school announced.

Starting next month, HLSCC will once again offer the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Basic Safety Training following approval from the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The move means mariners will once again be able to get certified in the territory instead of travelling overseas.

“The return of STCW Basic Safety Training represents far more than the reopening of a course,” said HLSCC President Richard Georges. “It signals our continued investment in world-class facilities, our maritime workforce, and the future of a sector that is central to our economy and identity as a sea-faring people.”

STCW training, which is mandatory for anyone who wants to work at sea, covers essential skills such as firefighting, survival at sea, first aid and onboard safety, according to the college.

First-time students complete the course over five days, while refresher training — required every five years — takes three days.

‘Realistic facility’

Maritime Training Manager Laura Arton said the programme is returning stronger than ever.

“Our pause allowed us to rebuild and elevate every aspect of our training environment,” she said. “Students will now train in a robust, realistic facility that mirrors genuine shipboard conditions. This ensures they graduate not only certified, but confident and capable in real emergency situations.”

To facilitate the return of the training, major upgrades were made at HLSCC’s south campus in Paraquita Bay, including a new firefighting simulator built from three retrofitted shipping containers and designed to replicate real-life emergencies at sea.

Additional improvements include new equipment storage, shaded briefing areas, a breathing-air compressor and updated protective gear and teaching aids, according to the college.

Short course

In addition to basic safety training, HLSCC has been approved to offer “Proficiency in Security Awareness,” a half-day short course required for people working aboard international ferries and other vessels operating under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, according to the college.

A six-month training schedule has been released, and more information can be obtained by emailing [email protected].