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STCW 2010 Manila Amendments Aligned
IMO Standards Compliant
OIC-NW Operational Level Training
Founded by a Licensed Master Mariner
Students from 15+ Countries
🚢 Global Maritime Training Platform

Train Like a Real
Officer of the Watch.
Not Just for the Exam.

Most licensed officers don't fail because they lack knowledge.
They fail because they've never been trained to decide under pressure.

Structured OIC-NW competency training built by a Licensed Master Mariner. ECDIS simulators, COLREGs, GMDSS, ARPA — the complete system for seafarers who want to perform with real confidence onboard.

STCW-Aligned Content
Interactive Simulators
English Language
Access Anytime, Anywhere
🧭 Choose Your Training Level View Pricing →
🌍 Trusted by 2,400+ Seafarers Across 15+ Countries
🎓 OIC-NW Training System
3rd Mate Training System
Complete Operational Level Training
⚓
COLREGs Mastery
Rules 1–38 with simulator
✓ Done
📡
GMDSS Communications
DSC, EPIRB, SART operations
In Progress
🗺️
ECDIS Navigation
15 brand simulators
Locked
Overall Progress42%
A
R
K
+2,400 seafarers enrolled
STCW Standard
OIC-NW ✓
Simulator Access
15 ECDIS Brands
The Real Problem

Why Most 3rd Mates Struggle Onboard

It's not a knowledge problem. It never was.

⚠️

You understand theory… but freeze during real situations onboard

⚠️

You rely on ECDIS without fully understanding what it's doing

⚠️

You hesitate when the Master expects you to make a decision

⚠️

You've passed the exams — but you've never trained under real pressure

This is not a knowledge problem.
It's a training problem.
Free Module

Get One Free Training Module

No credit card. No commitment. Enter your details and we'll give you instant access to a free training module — create your account in seconds.

Choose Your Path

Where Are You Right Now?

Select your current situation and we'll show you exactly which training level is built for you.

🎓
I'm a Cadet / OS / AB

You're new to bridge operations and want to understand the fundamentals before stepping into real officer responsibility.

⭐ Most Popular
🧭
I'm an Aspiring 3rd Mate

You want complete, structured OIC-NW training so you can perform confidently as a 3rd Mate — not just pass the exam, but handle real bridge situations.

🚢
I'm a 3rd Mate / 2nd Mate

You already have experience onboard, but you want to remove hesitation and operate with full confidence under real pressure.

Training Levels & Pricing

Choose Your Level

One-time payment. No hidden fees. Access your training anytime.

🟢 For Beginners
Bridge Foundations
For Cadets, OS, AB — start your path to the Officer of the Watch
$49
One-time payment · 60-day access to tools
Video Access2 Years
Tool / Simulator Access60 Days
Certificate✓ Included
  • Safety & basic watchkeeping fundamentals
  • Basic voyage planning — blueprint to application
  • Paper chart navigation essentials
  • Port documentation overview
  • Basic maritime simulators
  • STCW Support Level competency coverage
  • Full ECDIS simulators (15 brands)
  • Advanced GMDSS scenarios
Start as a Beginner →
🔴 For Experienced Officers
Advanced Watchkeeping System
For 3rd Mates building 2nd Mate-level decision-making and operational depth
⚠️ This level is not for beginners. Built for officers who already understand the basics and need to train for real decision-making under pressure.
$499
One-time payment · 180-day access to tools
Video Access2 Years
Tool / Simulator Access180 Days
Certificate✓ Included
  • Everything in 3rd Mate Training System
  • Advanced voyage planning — full system
  • 15 ECDIS Brand Simulations (Furuno, JRC, Kongsberg & more)
  • ENC handling & chart management
  • Voyage reports, publications, medical
  • Advanced decision-making scenarios
  • Route export/import systems
  • Premium simulator access — all tools unlocked
Enter Advanced Watchkeeping →
Why STEP-UP Maritime Academy

Built for Real Onboard Performance.
Not Just Exam Scores.

🎓
STCW-Aligned Competency Training
Every module maps directly to STCW 2010 Manila Amendments competency tables. You train what the Convention actually requires — nothing more, nothing less.
IMO Standard
🖥️
Interactive Simulators — Not Just Videos
Real decision-making comes from practice. Our HTML-based simulators put you in the scenario — radar scenarios, COLREGs situations, GMDSS emergencies — and demand real responses.
Hands-On
🧭
15 ECDIS Brand Simulations
Furuno, JRC, Kongsberg, Wärtsilä, Raytheon Anschütz and more. Learn the exact interface you will encounter onboard — not a generic version.
Premium Access
📋
Assessment & Certification
Every level includes an assessment system. Complete your training and generate your STEP-UP Maritime Academy certificate — ready to print for your portfolio or job application.
Verifiable
📱
Access Anywhere, Any Device
Browser-based platform. No installation. Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile. Train onboard, ashore, or wherever you have internet access.
Cross-Device
👨‍✈️
Built by a Master Mariner
Not a training company. Not a publishing house. Built by someone who sailed as 3rd Mate and 2nd Mate and knows exactly where seafarers struggle — and why.
Real Experience
Interactive Training Tools

Simulators That Train
Real Decision-Making

These are not passive videos. Our simulators put you in command and demand the right response — under time pressure, with real maritime physics and IMO standards.

⚓ COLREGs Rules 1–38
📡 GMDSS DSC/EPIRB
🗺️ ECDIS 15 Brands
📻 SMCP Communications
⚓
COLREGs Trainer
COLREG 1972
🎯
ARPA Master Pro
SOLAS Reg. V/19
📡
GMDSS Decision Trainer
ITU Radio Regulations
🗺️
ECDIS Simulators
IMO MSC.232(82)
🚢
AIS Trainer
SOLAS Reg. V/19
📻
Maritime Comms Simulator
SMCP IMO 2001
🛟
LSA/FFA Tracker
SOLAS Chapter III
🧮
Maritime Calculators
Navigation Standards
Real Seafarers. Real Results.

What Seafarers Are Saying

Used by Filipino seafarers worldwide — from cadets to working officers across 15+ countries.

See more real feedback from the community Join thousands of Filipino seafarers following Coach Paul's training page — reviews, Q&As, and real bridge discussions.
📘 View Our Seafarer Community on Facebook
Capt. Paul Malinao — Licensed Master Mariner, Founder STEP-UP Maritime Academy
10+
Years at Sea
MM
Master Mariner
15+
Countries Reached
About the Founder

Built by Someone Who Sailed the Same Watch You're On

I'm Capt. Paul Malinao, a Licensed Master Mariner. I sailed for over a decade — 5 contracts as 3rd Mate, 5 as 2nd Mate — before retiring at 36 to build what I wish existed when I was starting out.

I built STEP-UP Maritime Academy because I saw the same failure everywhere: good seafarers struggling not because they lacked intelligence, but because nobody gave them proper structured training.

This is not exam review. This is operational competence — built the way real watchkeeping works, structured the way STCW requires it.

Licensed Master Mariner — highest STCW deck certificate
5 contracts as 3rd Mate · 5 contracts as 2nd Mate
Founder, STEP-UP Masterclass & Tradewind Philippines
SEC-registered training institution — TESDA accredited
Quick Reference

Still Not Sure? Use This.

You Are… Your Goal Best Choice Price
Cadet / OS / AB Understand fundamentals, start OIC-NW path Bridge Foundations $49
Aspiring 3rd Mate Full OIC-NW operational training 3rd Mate Training System ⭐ $199
Working 3rd Mate Deepen competence, prepare for 2nd Mate Advanced Watchkeeping System $499
Struggling 2nd Mate Advanced decision-making & ECDIS mastery Advanced Watchkeeping System $499
Not sure yet Test the training first before committing Bridge Jumpstart Program $19
Not Sure Where to Start? Follow These:
→If you feel lost or are below 3rd Mate rank — Start with Bridge Foundations ($49)
→If you want complete 3rd Mate training — 3rd Mate Training System ($199) is your answer
→If you are already sailing as 3rd Mate — Advanced Watchkeeping System ($499) is built for you
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an officially certified STCW course?
STEP-UP Maritime Academy is a supplementary training platform. Our content is STCW-aligned and covers OIC-NW competency requirements, but this does not replace your flag state-approved STCW certification courses. It is designed to build the real operational competence that certification exams test.
What language is the training in?
All training content, videos, simulators, and materials are in English — the international maritime standard language as required by STCW and IMO.
How long do I have access to the videos?
Video access is 2 years for all paid tiers. You keep your videos for the full 2-year period so you can revisit anytime. Most students complete the training within 3–6 months. Tool and simulator access has a separate time limit per tier (60/90/180 days) which you can extend via the Simulator Access Pass subscription.
What payment methods are accepted?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through our secure checkout powered by LemonSqueezy. All transactions are in USD and protected by Stripe-level security.
Can I access the platform on my phone or tablet?
Yes. The platform is fully browser-based and works on any device with internet access — desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. No app download required.
What is the refund policy?
Due to the digital nature of the training content, all sales are final once your account has been activated and you have accessed the platform. Please review the free content and Bridge Jumpstart Program before committing to a full tier if you are unsure.
Not Ready Yet? Start Small.
Bridge Jumpstart Program — Your First Step
Try one focused module and experience how the training works before committing to a full level.
$19
Get Fast Track →
Start Today

Every Contract You Sail Without Proper Training Is a Risk.

Not just to your job — but to your confidence on the bridge.

You don't get trained during emergencies. You're expected to already know what to do.

🚢 Start 3rd Mate Training — $199 Choose My Level First →
⚡ ONE-TIME OFFER

Before You Access Your Free Training…

Most seafarers stay confused onboard because they skip the foundation. Don't be that officer.

Bridge Jumpstart Program
Your Structured Starting Point
One focused module. Designed to be completed in your first week. Build your decision-making foundation before stepping into full training.
$49 $19 Save 61%
  • Structured first module — not a free preview
  • Immediate access on the platform
  • Tools & simulator included
  • Your login link arrives in your email
✅ Yes — Start with Structure ($19)
This offer is shown once. You can always upgrade from inside the platform.
🚢 Start 3rd Mate Training — $199