The first fully online maritime academy
Maritime certification,
from the comfort
of your home
Fully online, on-demand courses. No travel, no accommodation, no exam centre — everything is online, including your final assessment.
I'm an individual
Certify myself
20+ on-demand courses, 6 months to finish.
I manage a fleet or facility
Train my crew
Bulk seats, invoicing, progress tracking.
DNV Certified
Training provider
The CPG Group
Provider
IMO · STCW · ISPS · ISM · MLC
Standards met & exceeded
6 months access
On-demand, at your pace
Support 24/7
+1-888-845-5071
Not sure which one?
Which certificate do you need?
Answer two questions and we'll point you at the right course.
Step 1 — Where do you work?
Step 2 — What's your duty?
Your match
ISM Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026 – Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
Train the Trainer for Seafarers – CPD Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISPS & Port/Marine Facility Personnel with Designated Security Duties(DSD) – Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISPS & Port / Marine Facility Security Officer (PFSO/MFSO) – Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISPS Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026 – Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISM-ISPS-MLC Lead Auditor ISO 19011:2026 – Online Course –
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISPS & Company Security Officer (CSO) – Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
ISM & Designated Person Ashore (DPA) Online Course
On-demand · certificate issued on completion 6 months access
Featured courses
Maritime training & knowledge directly to your home
ISM Code In Practice: From Certification To Effective ImplementationOnline Course
Navigation Systems And Instruments (Ns/I)Online Course
Passenger Ship Crowd & Crisis Management And Human BehaviourOnline Course
Train The Trainer For SeafarersCPD Online Course
ISM Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
Canadian Rules & Regulations For Deck Officers Leadership LevelOnline Course
ISPS & Company Security Officer (CSO)Online Course
ISM-ISPS-MLC Lead Auditor ISO 19011:2026Online Course
ISPS & Port/Marine Facility Personnel With Designated Security Duties(DSD)Online Course
MLC Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
Canadian Rules & Regulations For Deck Officers Operational LevelOnline Course
Maritime Cyber Security AwarenessOnline Course
Passenger Ship Crowd Management TrainingOnline Course
ISM & Designated Person Ashore (DPA)Online Course
ISPS Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
Crisis Management And Human BehaviourOnline Course
ISPS & Port / Marine Facility Security Officer (PFSO/MFSO)Online Course
Security Awareness Training For All Seafarers (PSA/VPWOSR)Online Course
Register & pay online
Credit card, PayPal or Interac. Immediate access to the course.
Learn at your pace
Go in and out as often as you like — 6 months to complete.
Sit the exam at home
Webcam-proctored. No travel, no accommodation, no exam centre.
Our testimonials
Seafarers certified from one ocean to another
It is a very complete training on the CSO responsibilities and on the ISPS code. I recommend Virtual Maritime (Five stars)
Mr Belzile · Student
This course not only met but exceeded my expectations. The Ship Security Officer Course is comprehensive, covering all necessary areas of ship security.
Harper Q. · Student
The material was excellent. The course was very informative and thorough.
Mr. Stevenson · Student
Thanks to the PFSO Course, I've been able to implement significant security improvements in our port facilities. The lessons were directly applicable.
James I. · Student
It was a well thought out course. I enjoyed earning this way and the fact if I had any questions I could always ask in the Chat box. Looking forward to taking more courses
Mr Carnes · Student
My overall experience was very positive, and I enjoyed the training very much. I would absolutely recommend this programme to others, and will be doing so.
Laura B. · Student
The DPA Course provided me with the tools and knowledge to effectively oversee our safety management systems. The instructors were top-notch.
Zoe P. · Student
The quality of the online platform and the expertise of the instructors made the Internal Auditor Course not just educational, but enjoyable.
Charlotte H. · Student
What a great school and concept. I have to say it was the most convenient training I took in my career. To be able to follow this course from home was just top of the top. The team was fantastic guiding me during the training and for the exam.
Mr. Langlois · Student
The DPA Course offered by VMA is by far the best I've taken. The depth of knowledge I gained has directly impacted my effectiveness as a DPA.
Sophie A. · Student
I would recommend this programme to others. I really found the videos a great way to learn
Mr Comeau · Student
Second training with Virtual Maritime Academy and again I really appreciated the professionalism and availability of the trainer.
Mr. BUET · Student
For companies
Keep your whole crew compliant
Bulk enrolment, consolidated invoicing and progress tracking across vessels and facilities.
Trusted by the fleet
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Do you offer STCW course?
The term STCW is often misused, especially in the Yacht Industry where we often ask candidates to get their STCW done.
The STCW is an international convention and code of the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and means Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).
The STCW Code and convention list all required training and certificate needed to work on a ship on all positions.
When you are asked to get your STCW done, 99.9% of the time you need to do your MED Course (Marine Emergency Duties), now called Basic Safety Training.
At this time, this course can only be done in a classroom as it requires practical training in a pool and live firefighting.
When is the next course date?
All courses on Virtual Maritime Academy are fully on-demand. Once you register you have immediate access to the course content and have 6 months to complete the entire course. No need to attend a specific webinar on a particular date & time. You do your training at your own pace.
Do I have to pay sales tax?
If you are located in Canada, then you will have to pay the sales tax. If you are outside Canada then you do not have to pay the sales tax.
Can I take the quiz and final assessment more than one time if I fail?
Yes, but you are limited to 2 re-takes on Chapter Quizzes. For the final assessment, if you fail, a fee might apply to be able to re-do it.
What do I need to register to one of your courses?
All courses are online and fully on-demand. You will need a computer with audio devices, a webcam for your final assessment, and a decent internet speed.
Can I go in and out of the course?
Yes. On every course you can go in and out as often as you like and pick up where you left off.
How to register to the course?
Click on the Courses menu at the top of this page and select the course you would like to register for. Once on the course page, click “Enroll” just under the top image. You will see a small shopping cart at the top right of your screen: click on it, then click Checkout. Complete all required information and payment, and you will get access to the course.
If you need any assistance, do not hesitate to contact us by email at course@virtualmaritime.academy or via our live chat at the bottom right corner of your screen.
Contact us
Questions about which course you need?
Support available 24/7 at +1-888-845-5071.
11075 Boul Henri Bourassa, CP 65054
Quebec, Quebec G1G 3X8, Canada
1-888-845-5071
Prefer to talk now? Use the chat button at the bottom-right of any page.