From Riga to Every Ocean in the World

Over 2,500 maritime professionals have launched or advanced their careers through our training centre. Many of them started exactly where you are right now. Whether you’re brand new to the industry or an experienced seafarer looking to advance, we have a program for you.

Maritime Skills Centre (formerly known as Zerko) — is one of Latvia's longest running maritime training institutions. Since 1993, we've been doing one thing and doing it well: turning people into qualified, certified, and employed seafarers.

Why People Trust Us

✓ 30+ years of EU-accredited maritime training in Riga, Latvia.

✓ Programs fully compliant with STCW Convention standards.

✓ Supervised by the Latvian Maritime Administration and Ministry of Transport.

✓ 2,500+ graduates working on commercial vessels under flags worldwide.

✓ 100% of graduates pass their qualification exams.

What Makes Us Different

You earn money while you train. Sea practice is on real commercial vessels, and you get paid from USD 500/month. This isn't a simulation — it's a real job from day one.

Your qualification works everywhere. Our EU-accredited, STCW-compliant certification is recognised by shipping companies worldwide. Graduates work under dozens of different flags across every ocean.

We don't disappear after graduation. We connect you with shipping companies and crewing agencies to help you find your first (or next) placement. Your career is our reputation — and we've been building it for 30 years.

Accreditation & Recognition

Trust matters when you’re choosing where to train. Here’s what stands behind every qualification we issue:

✓ Accredited by the Latvian Maritime Administration and the Ministry of Education.
✓ Program compliance certified by the Latvian Ministry of Transport.
✓ Training content, exams and quality supervised by the Latvian Maritime Administration’s Seafarers’ Registry.
✓ Fully compliant with the international STCW Convention — the global standard for seafarer training.
✓ EU-recognised qualifications at Level 3 and 4 under theLatvian and European Qualifications Frameworks.
✓ Quality management system based on ISO 9001 principles.

This is a qualification that shipping companies around the world trust and accept. Our graduates work under dozens of different flags — because the training meets the standard.

Ready to Start Your Maritime Career?

If you’re serious about making a move, the best time to reach out is now.

Get in touch today. Tell us where you are in your career, and we’ll help you figure out the right next step.