ONDECK

Antiguan based sailing charter and training company, ondeck has announced that they are now able to offer STCW ’95 Basic Safety Training in Antigua.  STCW 95 Basic Safety Training is a globally recognised qualification and a requirement for all levels of crew from chef to deckhand to skipper working on commercial vessels over 24 m long.

The UK based Maritime and Coastguard agency which sets the worldwide standard in marine training, has issued Ondeck with a prestigious approval to run the STCW’95 Basic Safety Training week after a recent visit to Antigua to assess the facilities and course components.  The training week is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean, other than Trinidad, that has been awarded the stamp of approval from the MCA. 

Ondeck has invested over $500,000 ECD ($200,000USD) in the program including a new firefighting facility on the Crabbs peninsula, which will also play host to local firefighting training and government incentives to enhance safety efforts in Antigua.  The Company believes that the implementation of the course on Antiguan soil will deliver a more globally trained and attractive Antiguan workforce as well as producing enhanced economic benefits from attracting more yachts and crew to come to Antigua to complete the training.

In keeping with the company's dedication to the progression of Antiguan Nationals, Ondeck has offered the course at a substantially discounted price to all those in the local community in order to help those interested to gain employment in the marine industry. 

Peter Anthony, Chairman of Ondeck and Antiguan resident commented, “It is an extremely exciting time for Ondeck and for Antigua.  With this new facility we are looking forward to raising the bar for Superyacht training and local safety training.  I hope this will enable many more people to realize their dreams within the commercial maritime industry.” 

Ondeck would like to extend its thanks to the Department of Marine Services, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force and the Fire Department for their valuable part in enabling the implementation of this facility.

Ondeck is headquartered in the UK and runs operations in Antigua, Portugal, and the US.  Ondeck is equipped to take complete beginners to seasoned sailors out on the water and the Antiguan operation is renowned for its match racing, sail training and race charter events. To find out further information about the company, please contact Liz Brookes +1 268 720 3660 (International mobile telephone number) or email eb@ondeckoceanracing.com.