Recommendations for Tampa BT - Seven Seas seems to be out of buisness

Professional Mariner Forum
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I am searching for a Hybrid STCW BT coarse. I am located in Tampa. I was planning to attend Seven Seas in Orlando and was about to pay for the course.

My biggest concern is that while they claim the training is USCG approved, they are not listed on the approved list provided by the CG, this is a bit concerning. However, there are quite a few online reviews that speak well about the coarse.

My other concern is that I can not get a hold of anyone at Seven Seas.

The reason I am trying to use them over SeaSchool is: it’s a blended course with only 2 days in person, not 5 days… I am using PTO at my current employer to take off these days. Also, I’m in Tampa and the school is in Orlando. Finally, the dates for the hands on training work well for me.

Any feed back would be appreciated!

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Ask them to provide you a copy of their current approval LETTER (not the certificate) from the USCG NMC. Check the validity dates and the specific approval they were given. Two days total for an original BT course sounds suspect. Two days of live practical training with the rest on-line is plausible.

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They’re not listed on the approved courses list and that was updated last Wednesday the 24th.

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OP already said they aren’t on the list.

Schools don’t always give courses under the name of the approval holder. Some have a franchise type arrangement with another school where they give that school’s course, but do business under their own name. So a school not on the list doesn’t mean they courses is not approved. Best way to find out is as I suggested, ask the school for a copy of the approval letter.

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Thanks, I didn’t know that. Personally I pick a school off the list that’s somewhat convenient to me.

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Still no success as far as reaching Seven Seas, I am guessing they are having issues and if they aren’t - their communication is terrible/nonexistent and I will not be giving them my business.

Can anyone recommend a school with a Basic Training program in Tampa/St. Pete?

There are a few schools, but none which have BT in the area… at-least I haven’t been able to find one.

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@JasonRS I know it’s the opposite side of the state, but as far as FL schools go MPT is the best. I’m not sure if it’s still the case, but they used to have a bunk house at a really discounted rate.

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I ran into that same issue. Seven seas preparatory academy, right? Called maybe twice, I eventually got an email back. "Our name for maritime training is Maritime Safety Academy. " And that is on the approved list. Seven Seas seems popular for the yachty folks

Ultimately though I did go elsewhere for BT.

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Thank you!

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Willow - I ended up talking to owner Marcus. I’m taking the class with them and will let you know how it goes.

I’ve used seaschool before, and they are great. But the scheduling heavily weighed in favor of 7seas.

Fingers crossed.