Centre for Applied Marine Studies
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Centre for Applied Marine Studies
Overview
Programmes
Marine Technology (A.S.) or Certificate of Achievement (C.A.)
This programme is designed to train students in the operation and maintenance of marine propulsion and auxiliary systems, found on small to medium-sized sail and power yachts, and their tenders. Upon completion, students will have the entry-level qualifications required for the local marine industry, especially the bareboat charter business. Careers in this field include: Outboard Engine Technicians, Marine Surveyors, Marine Engine Repair Technicians, Engine Room Mechanic, and Marine Electronics Installers (on recreational and commercial seafaring vessels).
Marine Professional Training: Level 1 (Certificate of Achievement)
MPT Level 1 is a gateway into the marine industry! This programme includes 10 weeks of full-time (M-F 8:30am –4:30pm) workshop learning at CAMS covering basic swimming and sea safety (STCW), customer service, RYA Navigation & Seamanship, ASA Keelboat certification and ABYC’s Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology (engines, boat systems, marine electrical, woodwork and composites). Workshop learning is followed by 8 weeks of full-time apprenticeships with local BVI marine companies.
Maritime Short Courses
Maritime short courses have traditionally been linked to commercial licensing requirements for maritime industry professionals, including STCW Basic Safety Courses, the Caribbean BoatMaster Grade 2/3 Preparatory course, and the VHF Marine Radio course. CAMS also runs RYA Powerboat Level 2 and RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship (ENS) courses.
Beyond Curriculum Course
Beyond Curriculum Courses (BCC) are Professional Development workshops designed for busy marine professionals! These courses typically include self-paced online-learning modules with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) followed by short, hands-on workshops at CAMS.
Mangrove Nursery & Coastal Resilience Laboratory
In support of the goals outlined in the “Strategic Blue Economy Roadmap for the Virgin Islands 2020-2025” (Government of the Virgin Islands/UN Development Programme), CAMS launched its Mangrove Nursery and Coastal Resilience Laboratory in 2020. Components include:
Paid internships for College students and recent graduates/young professionals related to Mangrove nursery operations and coastal restoration;
Soil Analysis Laboratory: in partnership with the University of Portsmouth & the BVI Department of Disaster Management and operated out of the CAMS analtic laboratory;
Water Analysis Laboratory: As a part of their Beach Management Programme, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources carries out water quality testing for the BVI, analysing samples at the CAMS analytic laboratory; and
Other research, monitoring, education and outreach projects related to the BVI’s coastal and marine environments.
RYA (Royal Yachting Association) Training Courses
The RYA is a UK national governing body for dinghy, motor and sail cruising, all forms of sail racing, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing and personal watercraft and a leading representative body for inland waterways cruising. The RYA exists to get more people into boating and watersport activities, promote safe boating practices and raise the standards of yachting and sailing.
HLSCC’s Centre for Applied Marine Studies (CAMS) has been an RYA approved training centre since 2000, offering you the chance to earn internationally recognized certifications right here in the BVI!
