DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider
About us
The first fully online maritime academy, built in Quebec by people who have actually sailed.
Who we are
Maritime training, written by mariners
The Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA), based in the scenic city of Quebec, Canada, is a proud DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider.
We specialize in online maritime education delivered through a state-of-the-art learning management system, offering STCW-aligned and professional development courses at affordable prices, with the flexibility to study wherever you are.
No travel, no accommodation, no exam centre — everything is online, including your final assessment.
20+Online courses in the catalogue
2018Teaching seafarers online since
25+Years of seagoing experience behind the courses
100%Online, final assessment included
Our mission
Virtual Maritime Academy is dedicated to offering only the very highest standard, flexible, online learning academy to our students utilizing subject matter experts in the design and environment, with up-to-date courses.
About the writer
Emanuel Huard, Master Mariner
Emanuel Huard is a Master Mariner with over 25 years of worldwide seagoing experience across a range of vessel types and international trading routes.
Every course is written by Emanuel in collaboration with experienced maritime professionals, and grounded in real operational experience rather than theory alone.
Our earliest courses were developed with the support of the late Paul Gate, Master Mariner, whose expertise helped shape the foundation this academy is built on.
Our courses
What you can study with us
ISM & Designated Person Ashore (DPA)Online Course
Port State Control 101: Prepare, Prevent And Comply
ISM-ISPS-MLC Lead Auditor ISO 19011:2026Online Course
ISO 45001 Occupational Health And Safety Management For Maritime Personnel
ISPS & Port/Marine Facility Personnel With Designated Security Duties(DSD)Online Course
Maritime Cyber Security – Advanced
Maritime Cyber Security AwarenessOnline Course
Navigation Systems And Instruments (Ns/I)Online Course
Passenger Ship Crowd Management TrainingOnline Course
Canadian Rules & Regulations For Deck Officers Operational LevelOnline Course
Become An Enviromental Officer
ISM Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
MLC Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
Seafarer Performance Appraisal – Supervisor Level
ISO 9001:2026 For Maritime Organizations
Becoming A Crew Agent: Your First Steps Into Maritime RecruitmentOnline Course
ISPS & Port / Marine Facility Security Officer (PFSO/MFSO)Online Course
Leadership And Communication For Seafarers
Stowaways, Migrants And Refugees At Sea
Train The Trainer For SeafarersCPD Online Course
Port Agency: A Practical Start For New AgentsOnline Course
Passenger Ship Crowd & Crisis Management And Human BehaviourOnline Course
Crisis Management And Human BehaviourOnline Course
Canadian Rules & Regulations For Deck Officers Leadership LevelOnline Course
ISPS Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026Online Course
Security Awareness Training For All Seafarers (PSA/VPWOSR)Online Course
ISPS & Company Security Officer (CSO)Online Course
Meeting Management For Seafarers And Shore Teams
ISM Code In Practice: From Certification To Effective ImplementationOnline Course
Incident Investigation For Shipboard And Shoreside Teams
Become A SuperintendentOnline Course
What our students say
Seafarers certified from one ocean to another
The Internal Auditor Course was comprehensive and practical. The case studies were invaluable for understanding real-world applications.
Henry T. · Student
I surely would recommend this, at any time.
Mme Renaud · Student
I Will recommend the programs to other. The course is very complete, easy to navigate and the part that brakes are compulsory is good and appreciated
Irwin P. · Student
The Internal Auditor Course's flexible online format allowed me to balance my work and study efficiently. The content is up-to-date and very relevant.
Amelia B. · Student
I was impressed with the Internal Auditor Course's focus on maritime regulations. It's thorough and perfect for those looking to expand their audit skills.
Ella M. · Student
I am impressed with how much information the SSO program is and how well this course is structured and understandable. I would recommend this course to my colleagues.
Wojciech S. · Student
I would recommend this programme to others. I really found the videos a great way to learn, more videos would have been really useful.
Martin C. · Student
The practical exercises in the Ship Security Officer Course were incredibly useful. They really prepare you for real-life scenarios.
Mason F. · Student
The layout of the course, platform and details are good. The course facilitators are quick to respond and provided help quickly.
Mr Curtis · Student
This Ship Security Officer Course prepared me well for the challenges of maintaining security aboard. The instructor's expertise was evident throughout.
Olivia R. · Student
It is a very complete training on the CSO responsibilities and on the ISPS code. I recommend Virtual Maritime (Five stars)
Mr Belzile · Student
Highly recommended as you can do this course online staying at home and do any time of the day or night.
Mr. Grewal · Student
Not sure which certificate you need?
Talk to us, not a call centre. Support is available 24/7 on +1-888-845-5071.