USCG- and IYT-accredited professional maritime training centre in San Diego offering STCW, Yachtmaster, engineering, GMDSS and medical courses for working seafarers.
Book direct →Maritime Institute — also known as Training Resources Maritime Institute (TRLMI) — is a professional maritime training school based in San Diego, California. The school holds approval from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and delivers courses aligned with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), giving qualifications recognised across the international yachting and commercial maritime industries.
The curriculum covers the full range of professional seafarer requirements: from entry-level STCW Basic Safety Training and GMDSS radio certification through to USCG captain's licence upgrades, IYT Yachtmaster qualifications, engineering pathways and medical care courses. TRLMI also delivers specialist programmes including IECEx hazardous area certification and MSC-specific security and reaction force training for those working in government maritime operations.
In partnership with IYT, the school runs Yacht Master Coastal and Master of Yachts Coastal liveaboard courses from San Diego, making it a practical choice for professional crew based on the US West Coast looking to hold internationally portable certificates of competency.
Basic Training (STCW BT) — USCG-approved STCW basic training, with a non-USCG variant also listed for international seafarers. The mandatory starting point for professional maritime careers.
Book on Maritime Institute →Refresher and revalidation courses including Personal Survival Techniques Revalidation and Advanced Fire Fighting Refresher/Revalidation. Keep your STCW certificates current with the minimum time off the water.
Book on Maritime Institute →IYT Yacht Master Coastal (power or sail) — certificate of competency for vessels up to 24 metres up to 60 nm offshore — plus IYT Master of Yachts Coastal / Mate 200 Tons liveaboard courses run in partnership with IYT from San Diego.
Book on Maritime Institute →USCG captain's licence ladder including the Upgrade Master 100 Tons to Master 200 Tons (Near Coastal) course. Structured progression for commercially operating masters on US-flagged vessels.
Book on Maritime Institute →USCG-track engineering courses including Engineering Familiarisation (Deckeneer), Able Seafarer-Engine and 3rd Assistant Engineer (Steam & Motor) test prep. Covers both entry-level and progression engineering ratings.
Book on Maritime Institute →Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) course for officers serving on GMDSS-equipped vessels, preparing students for the Element 7 exam. A mandatory requirement for commercial watchkeepers.
Book on Maritime Institute →Medical Care Provider (USCG and non-USCG variants) and Medical Care Person In Charge, with sessions scheduled into late 2026. Covers the medical competencies required for commercially endorsed seafarers.
Book on Maritime Institute →International Electrotechnical Commission Certificate of Personnel Competence (IECEx CoPC) for work in hazardous explosive atmospheres. Upcoming sessions: 6 Jul, 17 Aug, 14 Sep and 2 Nov 2026 in San Diego.
Book on Maritime Institute →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with Maritime Institute (TRLMI) before booking. Additional courses and sessions may be available on the provider's website.
Upscale waterfront hotel in downtown San Diego offering luxury rooms with harbour views, multiple dining outlets, and a full-service spa, steps from the Embarcadero and Little Italy.
View options →Aparthotel in the heart of Little Italy offering fully equipped kitchen suites with balconies, a rooftop pool, and a fitness centre — well-suited to longer training stays.
View options →Large full-service marina hotel adjacent to the San Diego Convention Centre, with direct views over the bay, multiple pools, restaurants, and a private marina setting ideal for maritime visitors.
View options →San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field) (SAN) — approximately 3 miles (5 km) north-west of downtown San Diego. The free San Diego Flyer electric shuttle connects both terminals to Old Town Transit Center, where passengers can connect to the trolley and Coaster/Amtrak trains. MTS Route 992 bus also runs from the airport every 15 minutes (4:15am–midnight). Taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) takes roughly 10 minutes to downtown; expect $15–$25.
Airport transport info →San Diego Santa Fe Depot (Downtown) — in downtown San Diego, within walking distance of the waterfront, Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy. Served by Amtrak (Pacific Surfliner), Coaster commuter rail, and San Diego Trolley (MTS). The Pacific Surfliner runs north along the coast to Los Angeles (approx. 2h 45m) and beyond; Coaster serves North County coastal communities; the Trolley provides local city connections.
Broadway Pier, downtown San Diego. Flagship Cruises & Events (Coronado Ferry) runs between Broadway Pier (downtown) and Coronado Ferry Landing — approximately a 15-minute crossing. A scenic option for those staying on Coronado Island.
Coronado Ferry →San Diego is served by I-5 (north–south coastal corridor from Los Angeles, approx. 2h 30m) and I-8 (east from Arizona). Downtown parking garages are widely available; street parking is limited. Expect $20–$40/day in central car parks. Most downtown hotels offer valet or self-parking at $30–$50/night.
Open in Maps →San Diego is highly car-friendly and most visitors arrive by air or road. Rail is available via Amtrak but there is no direct rail link to the airport. A ferry service to Coronado Island is available for those with maritime interest.