Marine Professional Training (MPT) Level 1
Part 1 Workshops: 8-10 weeks
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm each day
HLSCC Paraquita Bay Campus (Marine Centre)
Part 2 Apprenticeship: 8 weeks
Full time, 5 days a week, 8 hours per days
Price
$5,500
Other Associated Fees (can be subject to change);
$25 Application Fee
$215 Student Fee (Reduced rate for returning students)
$250 Resource Fee
$75 Graduation Fee
Minimum Age
Young Professionals (17 – 25 years old)
Description
The Maritime Professional Training (MPT) Programme is the gateway into the marine industry for young professionals. Designed as an entry‑level pathway, MPT Level 1 provides a chance to build skills and earn internationally accredited certifications, plus gain invaluable work experience with local BVI marine businesses.
Part 1: Workshops (8-10 weeks)
Based full-time at the Marine Centre, Paraquita Bay campus, during the workshops students will undertake training in:
- ABYC Fundamentals of Marine Technology, including:
- Marine engines
- Marine systems
- Composites and Marine Carpentry
- STCW Basic Safety Training (BST)
- ASA 101 – Basic Keelboat Sailing
- RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
- Swimming and Water Safety, delivered in partnership with BVI Lifeguards
- Customer Service for Marine Students
- Professional Development, including:
- CV and résumé writing
- Workplace etiquette
- Teamwork, communication and conflict resolution
Part 2: Apprenticeships (8 weeks)
Upon successful completion of the MPT Workshops, students will be recommended for the MPT Apprenticeship.
This provides an opportunity for students to gain workplace experience while reinforcing professional skills and behaviours needed to succeed. It bridges classroom learning with practical workplace exposure, allowing apprentices to apply their training in a supported, hands‑on marine environment.
Throughout the apprenticeship, students are placed with approved marine industry partners such as marinas, boatyards, charter companies, and marine service providers. Apprentices work under supervision, building confidence, responsibility, and industry‑relevant experience while continuing their education.
Certifications
Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be eligible to graduate HLSCC with a Certificate of Achievement in Marine Professional Training Level 1.
In addition, students will also receive the below international and locally recognised certifications;
- STCW Basic Safety Training
- American Sailing Association (ASA) 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing
- Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Essential Navigation and Seamanship
- Customer Service for MPT
- Basic Water Safety and Swimming issued by BVI Lifeguards
Prerequisites
High School Diploma, GED or be able to demonstrate lieracy/numeracy readiness.
17 years or older (applicants under 18 require a parent/guardian consent).
Recommended to be a BVIsalnder or Belonger
What next?
Graduates can qualify for possible careers and jobs as follow;
- Deck Hand – Charter Yacht Steward, Flotilla Host or Engineer, Ferry/Excursion Boat Assistant;
- Dock Hand – Marina or Fuel Dock Attendant, Yacht Cleaner and/or Briefer;
- Boatyard Hand – Technical Assistant or Chandlery/Shop Assistant;
- Port Hand – BVI Pilot Vessel/RVIPF Marine Division/HM Customs Vessel Assistant, BVI Ports Authority, Virgin Island Shipping and Maritime Authority or Parks Trust Assistant.