Eleven twelfth-grade students from L.N. Coakley Senior High School are charting a course toward a
rewarding maritime career through a specialized Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) training program. This initiative, facilitated by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Sea Training Department in collaboration with the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC), is designed to
equip young Bahamians with essential maritime skills and professional certifications that open doors to high-paying job opportunities immediately after high school.
The STCW program, established under the International Maritime Organization (IMO), ensures that seafarers meet international standards in training, certification, and watchkeeping. By participating in this program, students gain hands-on technical experience, critical safety training, and leadership
development—preparing them to excel in the global maritime industry. The RBDF’s Sea Training Department, headed by Senior Commander William Sturrup, plays a crucial role in providing structured training programs that develop RBDF personnel, and also the next generation of maritime professionals. As the demand for skilled personnel in the maritime sector continues to grow, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to youth development by providing
pathways to meaningful careers at sea.
Under the leadership of Commodore Raymond King, the RBDF continues to invest in training initiatives that empower young Bahamians with the knowledge, skills, and discipline necessary to navigate a prosperous future. This collaboration underscores the RBDF’s dedication to national development by fostering the next generation of maritime professionals who will contribute to the security and
economic stability of The Bahamas.
