Established in 2019 and located inQuebec,Canada,Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA) providesTransportCanada approved,DNV Certified andSTCW compliant maritime training programs completely online. The maritime courses are developed with the approval ofTransport Canada using the latestIMO Model Course manuals.

Apart from Transport Canada, many of the maritime administrations such as CPD,USCG,MCAUK andAMSAAustralia recognize VMA certifications to name a few. This recognition you can further confirm with your employer.

VMA is the first fully online Transport Canada recognizedSTCW Maritime training institution and it meets or exceedsIMO, STCW andISPS standards for maritime training. The courses are offered on-demand and can be done from anywhere in the world. The assessments and test are also fully online. A proctor is appointed for your virtual assessment and it can be completed with a stable internet connection, web cam and a computer/laptop.

Virtual Maritime Academy offers a complete set ofMaritime Security, Leadership and Management, andInternal Auditor courses which conforms to the STCW, ISM,ISPS and MLC also offer. Please see below the courses offered and planning to offer in the future.

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STCW / ISPS Maritime Security Courses

• TC Approved Security Awareness Courses (VPWOSR/PSA) Online (TC Approved): This certification is a must for all personnel in a shipping vessel who do not have a DesignatedSecurity Duty. This training is required for all vessels and personnel under STCW Section VI/6-1 under the STCW convention and code. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
• TC Approved Designated Security Duties (VPWSR/PDSD) Online (TC Approved): This certification is required for the personnel who have entrusted withSecurity duties according to theShip Security Plan. This training is required for all vessels and personnel under STCW Section VI/6 under the STCW convention and code. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
• TC Approved Ship Security Officer (SSO) Online (TC Approved): AVSO orSSO is appointed by the master of a vessel for ensuring the security of the ship and is responsible for overall management and oversight of all shipboard security policies, programs and procedures as set out in the Ship Security Plan. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
• Company Security Officer (CSO) Online (DNV-Certified): All maritime companies are required to appoint ACompany Security Officer to take care of the ship’s safety and security. TheCSO will be responsible for developing, maintaining and enforcing the company security policies as set out in the Ship Security Plan. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
• Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Online (DNV-Certified): Under ISPS, all ports are required to have an appointedPort Facility Security Officer (PFSO) who is responsible for development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of thePort Facility Security Plan (PFSP). A Port security officer is responsible for the protection of people, properties, and information at the port. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
• Port Facility Personnel with Designated Security Online: This Online Port DSD course is approved by Transport Canada and internationally recognized as it complies with the international regulations onMaritime Security mandated by IMO.

STCW / ISM / MLC Maritime Courses

• ISM Designated Person Ashore (DPA) Online (DNV-Certified): As required by theISM Code, aDesignated Person Ashore provides support for an efficient and effective Safety Management System onboard a vessel. Apart from ensuring that the vessel is operated safely, theDPA is the direct connection between the shipping company and onboard crew. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
• ISM-ISPC-MLC Internal Auditor Online : This course is based on IMO, ISM, and MLC guidance for the personnel who is appointed as anInternal Auditor to understand her/his roles and responsibilities to audit the vessel.
• ISM Lead Internal Auditor Online: The ISM Lead Internal Audit Online Course offers a comprehensive pathway to grasp the interpretation, application, and execution of full audits of organizational management systems in the Lead Auditor capacity.
• ISPS Lead Internal Auditor Online: The ISPS Lead Internal Auditor Online Course equips individuals with the knowledge and expertise to proficiently conduct comprehensive audits of an organization's Management System as a Lead Internal Auditor specializing in the ISPS Code.
• MLC Internal Auditor Online: Through this web-based program, participants will be expertly prepared to take on the role of an Internal ISM Auditor. This includes equipping them with the comprehension, expertise, and abilities needed to effectively audit both the vessel and shoreside management teams in accordance with the ISM Code &MLC 2006.
• STCW Leadership and Managerial Skills (LMS/HELM Managerial Level) Online -(Coming soon): This course focusses on the human factor and provides the seafarer with leadership and managerial training in order to control the operations of the ship and take care of the people onboard. This training based onIMO Model Course 1.40 (TP 15337) and STCW Sections II/2 & III/2 under the STCW convention and code.
• STCW Leadership and Teamwork (LTW) Online (Coming soon): This course provides the seafarer at the operational level with non-technical skills in human factors needed to control the operation of the ship and care for the people on board by applying resource management,Leadership and Teamwork skills.

LAST UPDATED ON Oct 23, 2025