Kidz at Sea Launches ‘Zero to Hero’ Marine Engineering Program in St. Maarten
Kidz at Sea’s ‘Zero to Hero’ program trains six young St. Maarten residents for marine industry careers with certifications and hands-on training.
Six young men and women in St. Maarten took a bold step toward promising maritime careers in February when the Kidz at Sea Foundation launched the second session of its ‘Zero to Hero’ Engineer Certification Course. The program is designed to provide local youth with the education, skills, and certifications necessary to enter the marine industry workforce with confidence.
The first phase of the course introduced the three young men and three young women to marine-related career pathways and focused on building strong communication skills. The session concluded with a mock interview assessment, where all students passed with flying colors—proving their readiness to begin professional careers in the marine sector.
From there, participants advanced toward earning key industry certifications, including:
- STCW (Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping)
- 15M Powerboat License
- VHF Radio License
- Basic Engineering Certification
Upon successful completion, graduates of the program will be fully job-ready and qualified to work in a range of marine sector roles—from crew on charter vessels to technical support on mega yachts.
The Kidz at Sea Foundation strongly encourages local marine businesses to support these graduates by offering employment opportunities, internships, or mentorships that allow them to gain practical, hands-on experience. These initial roles will play a vital part in launching long-term, sustainable careers for these ambitious young professionals.
The foundation expressed deep appreciation to partners including the Maritime School of the West Indies, Magnis NV, and Shortcut 2 Success, whose continued support helps make this impactful program possible.
“This initiative is about more than training—it’s about creating meaningful futures for our local youth,” said a spokesperson for the Foundation.
To learn more about the ‘Zero to Hero’ marine training program or to apply for the next session, contact [email protected] or call +1 (721) 580-5806.
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
Worth your time?
Thanks — noted.
