

The Fastest Way Into a Well-Paid Maritime Career in Europe
- Online learning
- Practical training in Riga (EU)
- Paid sea practice
- Career placement support
1993
Established
2,500+
Graduates
EU
Based
STCW
Compliant
Who Is This For?
Whatever your background — we'll get you to sea faster.
START A MARITIME CAREER
(no sea experience)
Start as a deck or engine rating and earn money even during onboard practice.
UPGRADE YOUR MARITIME CAREER
(AB/Motorman)
Upgrade your qualification faster with credit for previous training and experience.

"2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation, and income has grown from €2,700 to €3,600 per month"
Davis left his job as a mechanic and enrolled in the Deck Rating course at our training centre. Today he works on cargo vessels on European rivers and canals, in an international crew, on a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off rotation. His income has grown from €2,700 to €3,600 per month — and his next goal is to complete the skipper programme and reach €6,000+ within three years.
Davis – a career on inland vessels in the Netherlands

"Earnings can reach up to €10,000/month in a successful season"
After completing the Deck Rating course, Ernests started working on crab fishing vessels in northern waters. Contracts last 4 weeks at sea, followed by rest ashore — earnings can reach up to €10,000 per month in a successful season. After gaining valuable experience, he is now considering a move to conventional cargo vessels to continue developing his maritime career.
Ernests – experience in the crab fishing industry

"8 weeks at sea, with stable contracts, good conditions - income €3,800/month."
Arturs completed the Deck Rating course at the training centre and went to work on RO-PAX vessels transporting passengers and cargo between European ports. Contracts are around 8 weeks at sea, with good food, comfortable conditions and a stable routine on board. His current income is approximately €3,800 per month. Ships operate within Europe, so seafarers stay relatively close to home — and long-term contracts are common.
Arturs – working on RO-PAX vessels
Why Choose MaritimeSkills Centre?
MaritimeSkills is an accredited maritime training centre in Riga, Latvia, operating since 1993. Over 2,500 people have completed training with us, and many of our graduates are successfully building careers in the international maritime industry.
Our programmes are delivered in accordance with applicable STCW requirements and under the supervision of the Latvian Maritime Administration (Latvijas Jūras administrācija). This means training is provided within the officially regulated Latvian maritime training system, and graduates receive official documents issued within that system.
We do not just train students — we support them all the way to sea practice and the transition to their first job at sea.
MaritimeSkills helps candidates choose the right programme, complete their training, receive a sea practice placement, and move toward first employment through partner crewing agencies and shipping companies.

Training Programs
From rating to officer — find the programme that matches your level and goals

Ordinary Seaman
any vessel size

Motorman -
any vessel size

Boatmaster -
upto 50 GT

Deck Officer -
upto 500 GT

Engineer -
upto 750 kW

Security Training

Electrical fault-finding

Maritime Welding
Becoming an AB or Motorman - How It Works?
1Training Course
Complete theoretical training through classroom and online learning (approx. 2.5 months)
2Onboard Training
Join a vessel as a trainee and complete the Training Record Book (minimum 2 months, normally 4-6)
3Assessment / CoP
Pass the assessment with the Latvian Maritime Administration and receive a Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)
4Continue training
While sailing as a deck rating, you can complete additional learning modules to become an officer
Program Accreditation
All programs are accredited in Latvia (EU) and supervised by the Latvian Maritime Administration, in line with STCW requirements.
EU-Recognized Qualifications
- Level 3 or 4 under the Latvian Qualifications Framework
- Aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
- Valid for lawful maritime employment
State Supervision
- Program compliance is certified by the Latvian Ministry of Education
- Training quality, exams, and content are supervised by the Latvian Maritime Administration
This ensures ongoing compliance with the STCW Convention.


Not sure where to start or have questions? Get a free consultation!
Fill out the form below or give us a call - our team will be happy to help you find the right programme for free.
Ieriķu street 15, Riga, LV-1084, LatviaMo-Fr 08.30-16.30+371 20590099
© 2016













