News

Nautical Ventures
October 20, 2015 
 

Maritime Professional Training is spending more than $5 million dollars expanding its Fort Lauderdale campus to train more people in the commercial maritime and yachting industries. Part of that expansion includes the recently completed small-boat deployment research, demonstration and training center in partnership with Dania Beach-based Nautical Ventures Group. MPT is leasing space at Nautical Ventures to conduct the hands-on portion of the course, designed to provide a research and demonstration facility for mariners on how to safely launch small boats such as tenders from ships or large yachts. In addition, various manufacturers will be able to assess new hook designs, survival craft, and maintenance protocols.

According to Capt. Ted Morley, MPT’s chief operations officer and director of training, “Construction is now complete of our waterside davit and crane mechanism allows captains and their crew to work on scenarios on how to launch a life boat and/or rescue boat in real time. This training exercise will afford students the skills necessary to keep calm under pressure and follow proper safety protocol if ever faced with a life-threatening situation.” This facility will be used in conjunction with classes and simulation exercises held at MPT’s 61,000 sq. ft. main campus in Ft. Lauderdale.

Nautical Ventures CEO, Roger Moore, had this to say about the $500,000 investment made to the property, “Our commitment to the marine industry will be further augmented by aligning ourselves with these training professionals. Together we serve to train and enhance the safety of our marine community.”

Nautical Ventures plans to add introductory and intermediate boating courses at its Dania site, Moore said. “These safety courses will provide the seamanship knowledge needed to get them on the water in both an enjoyable and responsible manner. We both serve to train and enhance the marine community, and Nautical Ventures anticipates expanding our services to include boating courses for new boaters that are entering the market.”

Founded in 1983, MPT offers certification courses to people pursuing careers as commercial seamen and yachting professionals. “If it floats and has professional crew on it, we train them,” Morley said. “We train over 10,000 people per year, and we’re looking to increase that by 25 percent.” Students come from all over the world and typically stay from a week to six months for classes. Prices for courses, many of which are designed for continuing education, range from $100 up to $20,000.

Nautical Ventures Group is a consortium of South Florida investors who are passionate about boating and the local marine community. Their goal is to be a single-source supplier for boat/motor/watersport sales, accessories, service and support to the broad South Florida marine marketplace. Operating under the banners of Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore, QPS Marine, and LukFuel they have infused over $9 million dollars into capital improvements and created close to 50 jobs over the past 12 months. Sales are projected to exceed $25 million by the end of 2015.