What Seaschool does

Sea School is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved maritime training institution founded in 1977 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida. It operates six physical training academies across the southeastern United States (Bayou La Batre AL; St. Petersburg, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Panama City FL; Charleston SC) and serves individual mariners, working maritime professionals, and enterprise fleet operators seeking USCG-recognized credentials ranging from the entry-level OUPV Captain's License through advanced STCW management-level endorsements. Its course portfolio spans more than 30 approved programs and is delivered through three channels — in-person instruction at the physical campuses, self-paced online modules, and live Zoom distance learning — with a full-mission bridge simulator at the Bayou La Batre flagship enabling differentiated Z-drive and advanced shiphandling training.

The technology stack combines physical simulation infrastructure (full-mission bridge simulator, advanced navigation equipment) with a self-paced online learning platform featuring progress tracking and 24/7 access. A separate Maritime Bootcamp product bundles STCW Basic Training, security duties endorsements, and career placement support into a two-week intensive, broadening the funnel beyond career-changers with prior sea service.

Sea School earns revenue primarily through one-time course fees — ranging from $25 for individual online modules to $995+ for advanced multi-day in-person courses — supplemented by negotiated corporate team training contracts delivered on-site at client facilities or via satellite. Pricing is publicly disclosed and uniform across channels. Enterprise customers include Ergon, Crescent Towing, Chicago Dry Dock, Central Marine Logistics, Central Boat Rentals, Dawn Service, and Martin Marine. Marketing is content-led through an SEO-optimized blog, USCG resource portal, and direct phone/email outreach, with no paid advertising channels disclosed. The company also maintains a partnership with sister company APCA Drug Consortium to deliver on-site drug testing required for merchant mariner credentialing.

Name

Seaschool

Legal name

Sea School

Website

https://seaschool.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Sea School is a USCG-approved maritime training school operating six campuses in the southeastern US, delivering 30+ Coast Guard-approved captain's license and STCW courses to individual mariners, working professionals, and enterprise fleet operators via in-person, online, and Zoom formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD), Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE), Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB)

Keywords

• Maritime training
• USCG approved courses
• Captain's license programs
• STCW certification training
• Towing vessel endorsements

Headquarters

HQ city

St. Petersburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Individual Course Fees: One-time course fees for maritime training programs ranging from entry-level OUPV Captain's License to advanced STCW certifications. Prices vary by course duration and complexity, from $25 for individual modules to $995+ for comprehensive 5-day courses.
2. Corporate Team Training: Customized team training solutions for organizations requiring multiple employees to receive maritime certifications. Pricing negotiated based on group size and specific requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Sea School is a USCG-approved maritime training institution that delivers U.S. Coast Guard-approved certification courses for professional mariners. It offers 30+ courses covering entry-level licenses (OUPV Captain's License), STCW safety training, towing vessel credentials, tankerman endorsements, and advanced management-level programs, delivered via in-person instruction at six U.S. locations, online self-paced learning, and Zoom-based distance learning. Corporate clients can contract dedicated team training delivered on-site or at Sea School facilities.

Product overview

Sea School is a USCG-approved maritime training institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses delivered through three primary formats: in-person instruction at six nationwide locations (Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Charleston, Panama City, and Bayou La Batre), online self-paced programs, and live Zoom distance learning. The core product is the OUPV Captain's License course, which serves as the entry point for most professional maritime careers. Supporting this are specialized courses including STCW Basic Training, Towing Vessel programs (Apprentice Mate Bundle), Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids, and vessel security training. The school also offers advanced management-level courses such as Bridge Resource Management, Engine Room Resource Management, and Leadership programs. A standout offering is the Maritime Bootcamp, an intensive two-week entry-level program for those with no prior experience, combining hands-on training with career placement support. Team training services provide on-site corporate training solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OUPV - Captain's License Entry-level USCG-approved captain's license course enabling mariners to operate uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons carrying up to six paying passengers, with Near Coastal (up to 100 miles offshore) or Inland endorsement options. Available in in-person, online self-paced, and Zoom formats. Described as the most popular entry-level captain's license in the United States and the starting point for most professional maritime careers.
• STCW Basic Training Five-day comprehensive USCG-approved safety training covering Personal Survival Techniques, Basic Firefighting, Elementary First Aid (CPR/FA), and Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities. Combines classroom instruction with hands-on drills including water survival exercises, live firefighting, and emergency response scenarios. Required for mariners sailing beyond the U.S. boundary line.
• Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels Bundle Comprehensive bundled program combining OUPV, Master 100 Ton Upgrade, Master 200 Ton Upgrade, Inland to Western Rivers, and Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels Upgrade courses. Successful completion and meeting USCG requirements allows mariners to apply for the Apprentice Mate of Towing Vessels license, offered at a discounted price versus individual enrollment.
• Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Five-day USCG-approved course providing training for Tankerman endorsement covering Tank Vessel Assistant, Tank Barge-PIC (Person In Charge), Tank Ship-PIC, and Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids credentials. Priced at approximately $995 for the comprehensive five-day program.
• Maritime Bootcamp Intensive two-week entry-level program for individuals with no prior maritime experience. Includes STCW Basic Training, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) endorsements, hands-on training, and career placement support designed to launch careers in the maritime industry.
• Introduction to Z-Drive / ASD Tug Training Two-day hands-on course in basic Z-drive boat handling using a full-mission bridge simulator. Covers propulsion theory and provides practical stick-time for Z-drive (Azimuth Stern Drive) vessel operation, including stationary maneuvers, side-stepping, open-water obstacle courses, lock transits, barge work, and docking scenarios.
• Team Trainings (Corporate) Corporate team training solution for maritime companies and fleet operators requiring multiple employees certified. Certified instructors deliver training on-site at the client location, via satellite, or at Sea School's six dedicated training facilities. Pricing negotiated based on group size and specific certification requirements. Customers include Ergon, Chicago Dry Dock, Central Marine Logistics, Crescent Towing, Dawn Service, Central Boat Rentals, and Martin Marine.
• Online Self-Paced Maritime Courses Self-paced online course portfolio accessible 24/7 through the Sea School website, including OUPV Captain's License Online, Assist Tow Online, Online Rules of the Road, Marlinspike Seamanship Online, FCC-MROP Online, Navigation General Online, and Plotting Online. Allows mariners to complete knowledge-based certifications independently.
• Zoom Distance Learning Courses Live instructor-led courses delivered via Zoom for students unable to attend in-person. Available courses include OUPV Captain's License Zoom, Master/Mate 25-100 GRT Zoom, and Assist Towing Zoom, offered at comparable pricing to in-person courses.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7,500+ students trained annually across all course formats
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• APCA Drug ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAPCA is a sister company providing on-site drug testing services at select Sea School locations. This partnership enables convenient drug testing enrollment for mariners as part of their credentialing process, supporting the USCG requirement for drug testing as part of merchant mariner credential applications.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Piney Point Maritime Center (SIU): SIU-operated USCG-approved training facility offering unlicensed and licensed mariner upgrade courses. Overlaps with Sea School on STCW, towing, and tankerman endorsements for working mariners.
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: Seafarers International Union-affiliated USCG-approved school delivering STCW Basic/Advanced and upgrade courses. Competes directly with Sea School for professional mariner enrollment, particularly in the Gulf and Atlantic regions.
• Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS): Private, USCG-approved maritime training school offering STCW, license upgrade, and simulator-based courses to professional mariners. Closely matches Sea School's mix of in-person, online, and distance-learning formats for credentialed mariner training.
• Maritime Academy of Toledo (STAR Center): USCG-approved maritime training center offering STCW, license upgrade, and simulator-based courses (including engine room simulation). Closely comparable to Sea School on training scope, format mix, and mariner career-stage focus.

Broad incumbents

• Great Lakes Maritime Academy (Northwestern Michigan College): State-affiliated maritime academy providing USCG-approved licensing and STCW training with deck and engine simulator facilities. Comparable on simulator-led mariner credentialing, with a Great Lakes focus that limits direct regional overlap.
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: State maritime academy offering USCG-approved mariner training (license prep, STCW) integrated with degree programs. Competes for the same professional mariner cohort, particularly on the U.S. East Coast.
• Maine Maritime Academy: State academy providing USCG-approved marine license and STCW training alongside degree programs. Targets a similar entry-level mariner and professional upskiller audience as Sea School.
• California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime): State maritime academy delivering USCG-approved STCW and license-track training alongside degree programs. Comparable on credential-bearing courses, but operates with public funding and a residential undergraduate model Sea School does not.
• SUNY Maritime College: State-funded maritime college offering USCG-approved STCW and license upgrade courses. Comparable in training portfolio but competes from a degree-granting, residential model with public funding.
• Texas A&M Maritime Academy: Texas A&M University-affiliated maritime academy delivering USCG-approved mariner training with significant simulator infrastructure. Direct overlap on STCW, license prep, and simulation-based courses, especially in Gulf Coast towing/logistics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/seaschoolonline

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Seaschool