Transport Canada Approved & DNV Certified Maritime Security, Safety Management, Leadership & Managerial and Internal Auditor Courses Under ISPS, ISM and STCW Online

Established in 2019 and located in Quebec, Canada, Virtual Maritime Academy (VMA) provides Transport Canada approved, DNV Certified and STCW compliant maritime training programs completely online. The maritime courses are developed with the approval of Transport Canada using the latest IMO Model Course manuals.
Apart from Transport Canada, many of the maritime administrations such as CPD, USCG, MCA UK and AMSA Australia recognize VMA certifications to name a few. This recognition you can further confirm with your employer.
VMA is the first fully online Transport Canada recognized STCW Maritime training institution and it meets or exceeds IMO, STCW and ISPS standards for maritime training. The courses are offered on-demand and can be done from anywhere in the world. The assessments and test are also fully online. A proctor is appointed for your virtual assessment and it can be completed with a stable internet connection, web cam and a computer/laptop.
Virtual Maritime Academy offers a complete set of Maritime Security, Leadership and Management, and Internal Auditor courses which conforms to the STCW, ISM, ISPS and MLC also offer. Please see below the courses offered and planning to offer in the future.
Maritime Training Programs Online
STCW / ISPS Maritime Security Courses
- TC Approved Security Awareness Courses (VPWOSR/PSA) Online (TC Approved, DNV Certified): This certification is a must for all personnel in a shipping vessel who do not have a Designated Security Duty. This training is required for all vessels and personnel under STCW Section VI/6-1 under the STCW convention and code. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
- TC Approved Designated Security Duties (VPWSR/PDSD) Online (TC Approved): This certification is required for the personnel who have entrusted with Security duties according to the Ship Security Plan. This training is required for all vessels and personnel under STCW Section VI/6 under the STCW convention and code. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
- TC Approved Ship Security Officer (SSO) Online (TC Approved): A VSO or SSO is appointed by the master of a vessel for ensuring the security of the ship and is responsible for overall management and oversight of all shipboard security policies, programs and procedures as set out in the Ship Security Plan. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
- Company Security Officer (CSO) Online (DNV-Certified): All maritime companies are required to appoint A Company Security Officer to take care of the ship’s safety and security. The CSO will be responsible for developing, maintaining and enforcing the company security policies as set out in the Ship Security Plan. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
- Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Online (DNV-Certified): Under ISPS, all ports are required to have an appointed Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) who is responsible for development, implementation, revision, and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP). A Port security officer is responsible for the protection of people, properties, and information at the port. The course assessments are done with 3 multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter and a final assessment.
- Port Facility Personnel with Designated Security Online: This Online Port DSD course is approved by Transport Canada and internationally recognized as it complies with the international regulations on Maritime Security mandated by IMO.
STCW / ISM / MLC Maritime Courses
- ISM Designated Person Ashore (DPA) Online (DNV-Certified): As required by the ISM Code, a Designated Person Ashore provides support for an efficient and effective Safety Management System onboard a vessel. Apart from ensuring that the vessel is operated safely, the DPA is the direct connection between the shipping company and onboard crew. There are multiple choice quizzes at the end of each chapter with a final assessment.
- ISM-ISPC-MLC Internal Auditor Online : This course is based on IMO, ISM, and MLC guidance for the personnel who is appointed as an Internal Auditor to understand her/his roles and responsibilities to audit the vessel.
- ISM Lead Internal Auditor Online: The ISM Lead Internal Audit Online Course offers a comprehensive pathway to grasp the interpretation, application, and execution of full audits of organizational management systems in the Lead Auditor capacity.
- ISPS Lead Internal Auditor Online: The ISPS Lead Internal Auditor Online Course equips individuals with the knowledge and expertise to proficiently conduct comprehensive audits of an organization's Management System as a Lead Internal Auditor specializing in the ISPS Code.
- MLC Internal Auditor Online: Through this web-based program, participants will be expertly prepared to take on the role of an Internal ISM Auditor. This includes equipping them with the comprehension, expertise, and abilities needed to effectively audit both the vessel and shoreside management teams in accordance with the ISM Code & MLC 2006.
Other Courses
- Train the Trainer for Seafarers Online: With IMO Model Course 6.09 as reference, this course is thoughtfully designed to provide participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to deliver training materials effectively. It is ideally suited for new trainers seeking to establish a strong foundation in essential training techniques.
- Canadian Rules and Regulations for Deck Officers Leadership Level: This course is available fully online for foreign and Canadian deck officers. It offers a comprehensive overview of Canadian maritime rules and regulations, covering key subjects for foreign/Canadian officers operating in Canadian waters.
- Canadian Rules and Regulations for Deck Officers Operational Level: This course is available fully online for foreign and Canadian deck officers. It offers a comprehensive overview of Canadian maritime rules and regulations, covering key subjects for foreign and Canadian officers operating in Canadian waters.
Save 10% with Discount Code: EDUMAR10VMA
Go to STCW/ISM/ISPS Online Course
LAST UPDATED ON Apr 6, 2026


