Warsash Maritime Academy
Warsash Maritime Academy is the maritime training division of Solent University, delivering 150+ accredited courses and three-year sponsored officer cadet programmes for the global shipping, offshore and superyacht industries from Southampton.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1940
- HeadquartersSouthampton, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Warsash Maritime Academy does
Warsash Maritime Academy (operating as Warsash Maritime School) is the maritime education and training division of Solent University, a public university in Southampton, United Kingdom. Founded in the 1940s, the academy delivers over 150 accredited courses spanning deck, engineering and electro-technical training, STCW safety and security, ship simulation, ship handling, petrochemical and tanker operations, offshore oil and gas, leadership and management, and interior and hotel operations. It runs fully-sponsored three-year officer cadet training programmes for deck, engineer and electro-technical officers and has produced more than 15,000 alumni across 70+ countries. Cadets secure sponsorship from shipping companies including Carnival UK, Carisbrooke Shipping, Clyde Marine Training, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Stream Marine Careers, Ship Safe Training Group and Watermark, and average starting salaries exceed £30,000.
The academy's competitive position rests on a £43m 2017-2020 investment programme that delivered the Wärtsilä-powered Maritime Simulation Centre (seven full-mission navigational bridges, over 50 part-task simulations, DP Class A simulators, ECDIS suites, liquid cargo and engine-room simulators), a purpose-built Fire School, helicopter underwater escape trainer, 60m towing tank, and the Ship Handling Centre at Timsbury Lake (the only scaled model ship handling facility in the UK). Training is delivered across four Southampton-area campuses — East Park Terrace, St Mary's, Warsash and Timsbury Lake — supplemented by bespoke on-board training delivered globally on vessels. The school is ISO 9001:2015 certified and approved by more than twenty regulators and industry bodies including the MCA, MNTB, OPITO, SIGTTO, DNV-GL, SQA, PYA, the Nautical Institute and the IMO.
Revenue is generated through per-seat short course fees (anchored at £999 for the STCW Basic Safety Training Week), multi-year sponsored cadet programmes, and a growing layer of consultancy and bespoke corporate training. Distribution combines direct B2C booking via the maritime.solent.ac.uk website, B2B sponsorship-based cadet recruitment, channel partnerships with superyacht crew agencies and yacht-management firms (Burgess, Camper & Nicholsons, Döhle Yachts, Luxury Hospitality Academy, LH Academy, Oyster Yachts, Elite Crew International, MedAire), and a dedicated sub-brand — Warsash Superyacht Academy — serving the global superyacht crew market. The school is governed as part of Solent University with no independent equity ownership.
Warsash Maritime Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Warsash Maritime Academy
- Legal name
- Warsash Maritime School (Solent University)
- Website
- https://maritime.solent.ac.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1940
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Warsash Maritime Academy is the maritime training division of Solent University, delivering 150+ accredited courses and three-year sponsored officer cadet programmes for the global shipping, offshore and superyacht industries from Southampton.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Warsash Maritime Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Education and Training
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA), Marine Engineering & Engine Room Operations (EDAOANAB), Navigation, Seamanship & Offshore Operations (EDAOANAE), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF)
Keywords
Where Warsash Maritime Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Southampton
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Warsash Maritime Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Short Course Fees: Maritime training short courses offered to individual seafarers and industry professionals, including STCW safety courses, simulation training, leadership and management courses, and superyacht training. Courses range from £999 for STCW Basic Safety Training Week to specialist courses like ECDIS (£40+ hours training).
- Officer Cadet Training Programmes: Three-year fully-sponsored officer cadet training programmes for deck, engineer, and electro-technical officers. Cadets receive sponsorship covering course fees and living allowance from shipping companies. Programmes integrate academic training at the academy with periods at sea. Graduates receive bachelor's degree with honours, foundation degree, or HND academic qualification plus Certificate of Competency as Officer of the Watch.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | STCW Basic Safety Training Week - £999 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Warsash Maritime Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Warsash Maritime School, the maritime education and training division of Solent University, delivers over 150 accredited maritime and offshore training courses plus fully-sponsored three-year officer cadet training programmes for deck, engineer, and electro-technical officers. It also provides ship simulation training, superyacht crew training, and maritime consultancy services.
Product overview
Warsash Maritime School is the maritime education and training division of Solent University, offering over 150 accredited maritime and offshore training courses. The core offering consists of officer cadet training programmes (fully-sponsored three-year programmes for deck, engineer, and electro-technical officers), over 150 short courses covering deck, engineering, STCW safety, ship simulation, offshore, leadership and management, and superyacht operations. Key products include the Warsash Superyacht Academy (world leaders in superyacht training), the Maritime Simulation Centre (featuring Wärtsilä technology), and consultancy services. Training is delivered across multiple campuses in Southampton (East Park Terrace, St Mary's, Warsash) and Timsbury Lake, with £43 million invested in facilities from 2017-2020.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Warsash Maritime School Training Courses Over 150 accredited maritime and offshore training courses including deck, engineering, STCW safety, ship simulation, petrochemical and tanker, offshore oil and gas, leadership and management, and interior and hotel operations courses approved by MCA, MNTB, OPITO, SIGTTO, SQA, and other awarding bodies.
- Officer Cadet Training Programme Fully-sponsored three-year officer cadet training programmes for deck, engineer, and electro-technical officers integrating academic training at the academy with periods of hands-on training at sea, leading to a bachelor's degree, foundation degree or HND plus Certificate of Competency.
- Warsash Superyacht Academy Comprehensive superyacht training programmes covering deck, engineering, interior, and hospitality operations, from entry level through to MCA certification for officers up to Master Unlimited.
- STCW Basic Safety Training Week Comprehensive five-day basic safety training week covering fire prevention and fighting, personal survival techniques, elementary first aid, personal safety and social responsibilities, and proficiency in security awareness, priced at £999.
- Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) Training MCA-approved ECDIS training meeting STCW requirements, approved by Wärtsilä for type-specific training on Navi Sailor 4000 ECDIS.
- HELM Operational Level Training Human Element, Leadership and Management training at operational level, a prerequisite for the first certificate of competency.
- HELM Management Level Training Human Element, Leadership and Management training at management level for chief mate, master, second engineer, or chief engineer officers.
- Approved Engine Course I (AEC I) Entry-level MCA-approved engine course for those wishing to work on yachts, workboats, fishing vessels, tugs, and other small vessels.
- Approved Engine Course II (AEC II) Advanced engine course forming part of the second engineer officer qualification for small vessels less than 9,000kW and less than 3,000GT.
- High Voltage Training - Management Level Training for marine engineering officers meeting STCW 2010 requirements for electrical and control systems at management level aboard ships with HV systems.
- Proficiency as Ship Security Officer Training for crew who may encounter security or safety problems, covering ISPS code, security assessments, plans, and emergency preparedness.
- Pre-Cadetship Training Programme Programmes for individuals aged 16+ who wish to pursue a maritime career but lack required skills or qualifications, leading to Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications.
- Deck Officer Cadet Training BSc (Hons) Nautical Science, Foundation Degree (FdSc Nautical Science), and HND Nautical Science programmes for deck officer cadets.
- Marine Engineering Officer Cadet Training BEng (Hons) Marine Engineering, Foundation Degree (FdEng Marine Engineering), and HND Marine Engineering programmes for engineer officer cadets.
- Marine Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) Cadet Training BEng (Hons), Foundation Degree (FdEng), and HND programmes in Marine Electrical and Electronic Engineering for ETO cadets.
- Maritime Simulation Centre Training Training delivered at one of the UK's largest ship and port simulation centres featuring Wärtsilä technology including 7 full-mission navigational bridges, over 50 part-task simulations, DP Class A simulators, ECDIS suites, and liquid cargo simulators.
- Dynamic Positioning (DP) Simulator Training Full-mission DP Class A simulators and desktop DP stations for dynamic positioning training.
- Ship Handling Centre at Timsbury Lake Training Scaled model ship handling centre providing specialist training for pilots, masters, and senior ship's officers; the only one in the UK and one of a few major centres in the world.
- Consultancy Services Solutions for bridge and engine room team development through simulation expertise, standard operating procedures review, ship and yacht management services, vessel registration, and specialist services including port development projects.
- On-Board Training Services Bespoke training solutions delivered on board vessels worldwide, including bridge operations, interior and hospitality, medical care, maritime safety, and security training.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70+ years of maritime education and training excellence
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Warsash Maritime Academy
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Warsash Maritime Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature10 records
Warsash Maritime Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- BurgesscoreGlobal superyacht industry leader uniquely specialising in yachts over 130 feet. Provides professional yachting services including sale and purchase, new construction, charter, and operational management. Offers recruitment services and great prospects for Warsash graduates.
- Camper & NicholsonscoreCrew placement division providing professional crew for their renowned fleet of managed yachts. Works with captains and owners worldwide to professionally develop crew. Database of over 40,000 crew members makes them highly connected in the business.
- Döhle YachtscorePart of family-owned Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, one of world's largest shipping companies. Provides expert superyacht management, crew management, and yacht services. Trusted partner for many of the world's most admired yachts.
- DSNM Ltd (David Store Navigational Management)minorBespoke navigational management services including chart corrections, digital charts and publications, navigational equipment supplies, and fleet management. Market leader in navigational field within superyacht industry.
- Elite Crew InternationalminorMLC 2006 compliant crew placement agency serving megayacht community since 1998. Head office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with European office at OneOcean Port Vell in Barcelona.
- MedAireminorPart of International SOS, specialising in on-board medical training, medical supply, travel safety solutions and medical kits. 24/7 access to medical professionals and 72,000+ quality providers worldwide.
- Oyster YachtsminorFinest bluewater sailing yachts builder. Partnership to run bespoke training courses for Oyster World Rally participants including RYA Ocean Yachtmaster Theory and LRC/SSB GMDSS Radio.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Warsash Maritime Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- South Shields Marine School: UK maritime vocational college delivering officer cadet training and STCW short courses to UK and international seafarers; directly comparable to Warsash in scale, MCA-approved course catalogue, and sponsorship-driven cadet model.
- Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool and The Fylde College): UK maritime training provider offering deck, engineer, and STCW courses to working seafarers and cadets; comparable to Warsash on regulatory positioning (MCA, MNTB), cadetship pipeline, and short-course mix.
- City of Glasgow College - Riverside Campus: Scottish maritime and engineering faculty delivering officer cadet training and STCW-aligned courses; comparable to Warsash on cadetship scale, regulatory accreditation footprint, and maritime simulation equipment.
- Australian Maritime College (University of Tasmania): Established international maritime training college delivering officer cadetships, STCW, and marine simulation programmes; comparable to Warsash in scope of accredited courses, simulation infrastructure (Kongsberg), and global seafarer recruitment.
Regional players
- Singapore Maritime Academy (Singapore Polytechnic): Asia-Pacific maritime training institution offering STCW, marine engineering, and nautical science courses to regional cadets and seafarers; comparable to Warsash in curriculum scope and accreditation, though operating primarily across Southeast Asia.
Others
- Kongsberg Maritime - Maritime Training (formerly Kongsberg Digital, K-Sim): Simulation technology vendor competing with Wärtsilä in the maritime training simulator stack; not a direct competitor but ecosystem-adjacent — many maritime academies (Australian Maritime College, etc.) standardise on Kongsberg simulators, which influences Warsash's vendor strategy.
Broad incumbents
- Maine Maritime Academy: US maritime higher-education institution delivering marine engineering, nautical science, and small-vessel officer tracks; comparable to Warsash on multi-discipline officer training and STCW-aligned curriculum.
- SUNY Maritime College: US maritime academy offering USCG-approved officer programmes, STCW alignment, and shipboard training; broader higher-education institution comparable to a university-departmental Warsash in cadetship funding model (state sponsorship vs UK shipping-company sponsorship).
- California State University Maritime Academy: US maritime academy offering bachelor-level officer programmes and STCW short courses; overlaps with Warsash on cadetship structure and industry-funded training tracks.
Emerging players
- Plymouth University - School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (Maritime): UK university offering maritime and marine science programmes with STCW-aligned short-course activity; partial overlap with Warsash on cadet and continuing-professional development offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Warsash Maritime Academy social profiles
Digital presenceWarsash Maritime Academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance22 records
Warsash Maritime Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Warsash Maritime Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Warsash Maritime Academy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Warsash Maritime Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Warsash Maritime Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Warsash Maritime Academy
What does Warsash Maritime Academy do?
Warsash Maritime School, the maritime education and training division of Solent University, delivers over 150 accredited maritime and offshore training courses plus fully-sponsored three-year officer cadet training programmes for deck, engineer, and electro-technical officers. It also provides ship simulation training, superyacht crew training, and maritime consultancy services.
Is Warsash Maritime Academy a public or private company?
Warsash Maritime Academy is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Warsash Maritime Academy founded?
Warsash Maritime Academy was founded in 1940. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Warsash Maritime Academy based?
Warsash Maritime Academy is headquartered in Southampton, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Warsash Maritime Academy make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Short Course Fees are the primary driver. The others are officer Cadet Training Programmes.
Who are Warsash Maritime Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are South Shields Marine School, Fleetwood Nautical Campus (Blackpool and The Fylde College), City of Glasgow College - Riverside Campus and Australian Maritime College (University of Tasmania). Singapore Maritime Academy (Singapore Polytechnic) is listed as a regional player. Kongsberg Maritime - Maritime Training (formerly Kongsberg Digital, K-Sim) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Maine Maritime Academy, SUNY Maritime College and California State University Maritime Academy. Plymouth University - School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics (Maritime) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Warsash Maritime Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Warsash Maritime Academy.
What industry is Warsash Maritime Academy in?
Warsash Maritime Academy's product category is Maritime Education and Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOANAD, Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS), with a secondary code of EDAOANAA, Merchant Marine & Deck Operations. Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.