A Caribbean-based maritime training school delivering MCA and IYT-accredited qualifications — from STCW safety essentials to Yachtmaster and Master command certificates — in the heart of Sint Maarten's superyacht hub.
Book direct →The Maritime School of the West Indies (MSWI) is a specialist maritime training centre based in Cole Bay on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, one of the Caribbean's most active superyacht hubs. The school holds dual accreditation from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and International Yacht Training Worldwide (IYT), allowing it to issue internationally recognised qualifications for professional and recreational seafarers alike.
MSWI's curriculum spans the full range of yachting career pathways: foundational STCW Basic Safety Training for new entrants to the industry, refresher and update courses for experienced crew, VHF radio and GMDSS certification, RYA Powerboat and Tender endorsements, and advanced command qualifications including the IYT Master of Yachts 200/500/3000 Gross Tons programme. The school's liveaboard practical modules for Yachtmaster and Master candidates make it particularly well suited to crew already working in the Caribbean basin.
Located at the crossroads of the Caribbean charter and superyacht industry, MSWI is a practical choice for crew based in Sint Maarten, St Barths, Anguilla and the surrounding islands who need to achieve or renew professional certification without travelling to Europe.
STCW 2010 Basic Training covering personal survival, fire prevention, elementary first aid, and personal safety — essential certification for all professional seafarers. Described by the school as the essential safety foundation for anyone entering the industry.
Book on MSWI →STCW 2010 Refresher Course for existing certificate holders requiring renewal. Four days of updated safety training in line with current STCW Manila amendments, ensuring continued compliance for professional crew.
Book on MSWI →Personal watercraft and rigid inflatable boat operator training for crew who drive tenders or PWCs as part of their yacht duties. Contact MSWI directly for current duration and pricing.
Book on MSWI →RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Tender Operator training for crew operating chase boats and yacht tenders. Provides internationally recognised certification for powerboat handling in coastal and offshore conditions.
Book on MSWI →IYT Master of Yachts 200 Tons: a 6-day Theory module (US$1,695), plus liveaboard Practical Sail (US$2,290), Practical Power (US$2,500), or combined Power & Sail (US$3,490). The full pathway towards command of sail and power yachts up to 200 GT.
Book on MSWI →IYT Master of Yachts 200 Tons programme with theory and practical liveaboard modules leading to command of yachts up to 200 tons — the school's highest command qualification. Higher tonnage pathway options also available; contact MSWI for details.
Book on MSWI →IYT VHF Radio Licence — one-day VHF radio operator certification covering DSC, distress procedures, and routine communications. A mandatory requirement for crew on GMDSS-equipped vessels and a practical asset on any yacht.
Book on MSWI →Introductory packages designed for crew entering the superyacht industry, combining deckhand skills with the core certifications required for a first position on a professional vessel. Contact MSWI directly for current package details and pricing.
Book on MSWI →Prices and dates are indicative — confirm directly with MSWI before booking.
An 88-room resort on Union Road, Cole Bay, with spa, gym, two pools, tennis courts, and the island's largest casino, offering junior through two-bedroom suites.
View options →A small 15-room inn in a quiet residential neighbourhood of Cole Bay, offering air-conditioned studios with kitchenette and a free continental breakfast from the on-site Carl & Sons Unique Bakery.
View options →A large Mediterranean-style resort on Billy Folly Road offering 342 fully equipped suites and 83 two-bedroom villas, five pools, five restaurants, spa, casino, and the island's largest on-site watersports facility.
View options →Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is approximately 3–5 km from Cole Bay centre; under 10 minutes by road. Taxis are available outside arrivals; the fixed government rate to Cole Bay is approximately $15 for two passengers. A public bus on the Emmaplein–Maho route stops in Cole Bay for US$1.50, though frequency is limited. Car hire is also available at the airport.
Airport website →Ferry services operate from Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg (approx. 10 min drive east of Cole Bay) for St Barths, and from Marigot Bay on the French side (approx. 15 min drive north) for Anguilla. Operators include Voyager and St. Barth Ferry (Philipsburg to Gustavia, approx. 45 min, multiple daily departures), and GB Ferries, Funtime Charters, and Calypso Charters (Marigot to Blowing Point, Anguilla, approx. 20–25 min, departures every 30 min).
Ferry information →Cole Bay is accessible from the A.J.C. Brouwer Road ring road around Simpson Bay Lagoon, and via Union Road from Philipsburg. From the airport, exit onto Simpson Bay Road heading east; Cole Bay is a 5-minute drive. From Philipsburg take Union Road west. Street and on-site parking is generally available throughout Cole Bay with no notable restrictions reported.
Open in Maps →