PHOTOS: HLSCC marks milestone with new maritime fire safety training facility

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has officially opened a new maritime firegrounds training facility at its Paraquita Bay campus, representing a crucial step in restoring internationally recognised maritime safety training in the Virgin Islands.

The facility forms part of the college’s renewed Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) programme, which prepares seafarers to respond to emergencies and meet global maritime safety standards.

“Today marks an important milestone, not only for the college, but also for the continued advancement of marine safety training in the Virgin Islands,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr Ronald Brunton.

He noted that maritime activity continues to grow in the territory and emphasised the need for practical training environments.

“Facilities such as these STCW fire grounds make that preparation possible,” Brunton said. “Here, training moves beyond the classroom into real-world practice, giving maritime professionals the opportunity to develop the confidence and competence required to respond effectively in critical situations.”

HLSCC President Dr Richard Georges described the project as the culmination of several years of work and collaboration with industry partners. “This has been a long time coming,” Georges said while noting the support of private sector contributors who helped make the facility possible.

He said the project builds on decades of maritime training at the college and ensures that internationally recognised certification remains available locally. “What we’re doing today is not really something new. We’re building on the past and the contributors to that past to make sure that internationally recognised maritime safety training is available to mariners in the Virgin Islands,” Georges said.

Significant for BVI’s maritime workforce

Meanwhile, Education Minister Sharie deCastro said the reopening of the STCW programme and simulator was significant for the territory’s maritime workforce.

“Without these certifications, captains and crew of commercial vessels cannot legally operate,” deCastro said. “So the restoration of this programme means that Virgin Islands mariners can once again receive internationally recognised maritime certification right here at home.”

She explained that the programme includes courses such as elementary first aid, fire prevention and firefighting, personal survival techniques, and security awareness. “Simulation training allows our seafarers to develop critical skills in realistic training environments, preparing them to meet the highest global standards of safety, competence, and professionalism,” deCastro added.

According to the minister, the programme was recertified following a successful audit by the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency earlier this year.

Officials also noted that the facility was made possible through contributions from industry partners, including Nanny Cay Resort and Marina and Island Shipping, which donated containers used in constructing the fire simulator.

College officials said the reopening of the training programme is expected to strengthen maritime education and create new opportunities for seafarers in the territory.