Building upon its long-standing reputation as a provider of maritime safety education, South West Maritime Academy has recently achieved accreditation as a certified Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Training Provider.
This significant achievement enables South West Maritime Academy to deliver internationally recognised GWO Basic Safety Training (BST) and essential refresher courses, addressing the growing demand for skilled and safety-conscious personnel in the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector.
This pivotal expansion builds upon the academy’s extensive experience in providing high-quality safety training for the maritime industry. For many years, South West Maritime Academy has been a trusted provider of the mandatory STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) courses, equipping seafarers with essential survival, firefighting, first aid, and safety awareness skills.
The newly acquired certification allows the business to offer the standardised GWO Basic Safety Training (BST), a crucial program for individuals working both onshore and offshore in the wind turbine industry.
This comprehensive training equips participants with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to work safely in this demanding environment. First Aid instruction provides vital emergency response techniques applicable to both wind turbine and offshore environments. The Working at Height module delivers specialised knowledge and practical skills for safely operating at elevated levels, including crucial rescue procedures.
Manual Handling training focuses on effective techniques to prevent injuries when moving the specific equipment used in the wind energy sector. For those working offshore, the Sea Survival element prepares individuals for potential emergencies at sea, covering safe transfer procedures between vessels and turbines, as well as essential survival methods. Finally, Fire Awareness training equips participants with the ability to identify potential fire hazards and take appropriate action to mitigate risks.
Jonathan Davies, Managing Director of South West Maritime Academy, said, “We are absolutely delighted to announce our Global Wind Organisation accreditation.
“Acquiring the certification to deliver GWO Basic Safety Training represents a monumental step forward in our ongoing commitment to providing the absolute highest standards of safety training across both the established maritime and the rapidly evolving offshore renewable industries.”
Adding an element of geographical intrigue, this vital safety training takes place at the South West Maritime Academy’s dedicated facility located at Cromhall Quarry, near Charfield. The inland location often comes as a surprise to those unfamiliar with the breadth and depth of the training offered, demonstrating that world-class maritime safety education can indeed thrive away from the immediate coastline.
The company has invested in advanced training facilities, including a meticulously engineered working at height training rig that replicates offshore wind turbine environments. The new additions to the site also include a purpose-built transfer structure for practising safe vessel-to-turbine transfer procedures, a critical aspect of offshore operations.
Furthermore, the Academy provides delegates with comprehensive, industry-specific personal protective equipment and harnesses for hands-on training tailored to the demands of working on wind turbines and offshore installations.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a globally recognised GWO certification, valid for two years. This highly valued credential serves as proof of their competence and adherence to international safety standards, significantly enhancing their employability within the international offshore renewables sector.
Mr Davies added, “We fully recognise the pivotal role that skilled and, above all, safety-conscious personnel play in the continued growth and success of the renewable sector.
“The team at South West Maritime Academy are immensely proud to contribute by equipping individuals with the essential skills, knowledge, and practical experience required to navigate and work safely within these often-demanding environments.”
