This program is the National Flats Fishing Guides Certification training that meets the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, and The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association requirements to obtain a fly fishing guide license.
It is designed to train participants to become flats fishing guides and prepare them for sustainable work within the industry. Participants will have both virtual theoretical and in-person practical application. For the more experienced guides their knowledge of the marine environment, business and marketing will be broadened. The program has a strong science component where students gain an understanding of fish biology and behavior and marine environment and conservation.
Within the program, students have the opportunity to sharpen their skills and obtain additional certifications such as: Bahama Host, Captain's License- Class "B" and STCW Training.
Depending on your skill level and experience within the industry, additional training will be required and offered through a mandatory internship period.
NATIONAL CERTIFICATION IN FLATS FISHING
VETERAN GUIDES PROGRAM
This program consists of 20 hours in person classroom sessions, at the National Training Agency, New Providence. It is designed for Bahamians who have been fly-fishing (bonefish) guides in The Bahamas for 10 years or more.
This course is for non-certified, experienced fly-fishing guides operating in The Bahamas. See course requirements below:
- 10 years or more guiding experience
- Bahamian Passport or Voter's Card
- Captain's License & STCW
- Bahama Host
VIRTUAL THEORY CLASS SESSIONS will start August 5th-August 28th 2024 .
Orientation: July 31st, 2024
- Theory Classes (online): August 5, 2024 - August 28, 2024
- Practical Classes (North Andros Campus in person): September 2, 2024 - October 25
- The STCW course is offered, September 2 nd - 6 th
- Captain’s License Class B Exam Prep is offered September 9 th - 13 th
- Captain’s License Exam dates: September 16 th and October 17 th
Space is Limited:
- Financial Aid Available
- Youth Empowerment Scholarship (18 years old - 30 years old)
Other sessions include:
- FISH BIOLOGY AND BAHAVIOR
- MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
- BUSINESS AND COMPUTER SKILLS
- BASIC MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- and much more!
IN-PERSON PRACTICAL TRAINING will be conducted on the BAMSI North Andros Campus and environs starting September 2nd-October 25th, 2024. Health and Safety Protocols will be strictly enforced.
Other activities include:
- CASTING AND POLLING TECHNIQUES
- FLY TYING
- CONSERVATION METHODS AND PRACTICES
- BASIC BOAT MAINTENANCE
- and much more!
ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM:
- BAHAMA HOST CERTIFICATE
- MASTER'S LICENSE - B CLASS
- Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeepers for Seafarers (STCW)
ENDORSED BY THE BAHAMAS:
- MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MARINE RESOURCES
- MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INVESTMENTS AND AVIATION
- BAHAMAS FLY FISHING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
- There are 13 skills and proficiency-based modules for this program
- Online Theory: Starts August 5th August 28th 2024
- In-person Practical: Starts September 2nd-October 25th 2024
- STCW Certification: Starts September 2nd- 6th, 2024
- Captain B Licence Exam Preparation: Starts September 9th-13th, 2024
- Captain B Exam Dates: September 16th and October 17th (resit, if necessary)
- Up to Four months Internship(for those who are new to the field and will require additional real time industry experience and training.)
Internship students will be under the supervision of an experienced, certified guide on their island.
Submit a Government issued ID and other supporting documents such as recent passport sized photo, recent medical certificate and valid police record to admissions@bamsibahamas.edu.bs to begin the registration process.
PRICE $3600
This price is non refundable, non transferable and includes tuition, course materials and the following fees:
administrative, practical, field trips, technology, library, academic resources, internship placement, external testing and license applications and fees.
The fee does not include accommodations. Those requiring the same can contact office@bamsibahamas.edu.bs for a listing of available options.
Do not have the full payment right now? That's ok. We will work with you. Sign up for our payment program-please contact admissions for more information. Full payment must be made before course begins.
Do you already have valid certifications/licenses as those listed above? Please submit to admissions and consideration will be made on your final pricing.
Please pay online by clicking on the top right had button on the website "PAY" or click PAY HERE
Scholarship Opportunity
The Flats Fishing Youth Empowerment Scholarship is an exciting new program designed to empower and enable eligible youth to achieve their passion and purpose within the industry.
AWARD AMOUNTS
The scholarship is a one-time contribution to their success in the Flats Fishing Guide Training program. Recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory attendance, participation, performance and provide feeback and testimonials of their learning journey and overall experience both during and upon successful completion of the program.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be:
A Bahamian citizen
Between the ages of 18 to 30 years
Enrolled in the Flats Fishing Program
In financial need and express a keen interest in the field
Application Deadline
Deadline for Applications for the 2024 scholarship cycle will be July 1st 2024 at 12 noon. Recipients will be notified by July 5th, 2024.
Funding Guidelines
Funds are applied directly to the recipient’s BAMSI student account to help defray program cost. Funds are not sent to student’s personal bank account.
To Apply for the Youth Empowerment Scholarship, please CLICK HERE.
To apply for the 2024 Flats Fishing Certification Training Course, please click on the green GET STARTED NOW button at the bottom.
