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 JUNE 22nd, 2026 .
ORIENTATION JUNE 18TH 2026
- Theory Classes (Online): June 22nd, 2026
- Flats Practical Classes (North Andros Campus in Person): July 27th, 2026-August 21st, 2026
- The STCW Course Is Offered in person, July 13th-July 17th, 2026
- Captain’s License Class B Exam Prep Is Offered in person, July 20th-July 24th, 2026
- Bahama Host (Online) September 7th-18th 2026
Other sessions include:
- FISH BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR
- MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION
- BASIC MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- and much more!
IN-PERSON PRACTICAL TRAINING will be conducted on the BAMSI North Andros Campus and environs starting JULY 13TH -AUGUST 21ST 2026.
Other activities include:
- CASTING AND POLLING TECHNIQUES
- FLY AND LINE KNOTS 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
- INTERNSHIP: Up to SIX (6) months (for those who are new to the field and will require additional real time industry experience and training.)
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.
COURSE PRICE $3,600
This price includes includes tuition, course materials and the following fees: practical, field trips, technology, library, academic resources, internship placement, external testing and license applications and fees.
THERE IS A NON TRANSFERABLE, NON REFUNDABLE REGISTRATION AND ENROLLMENT FEE $360 THAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE PRICE
The course price nor registration fee include accommodations cost. 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 feedback 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
Must be 18 years old by December 2026
Enrolled in the Flats Fishing Program
In financial need and express a keen interest in the field
Application Deadline
Deadline for Applications for the 2026 scholarship cycle will be May 29 th , 2026, at 12 noon. Recipients will be notified by June 9 th , 2026.
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 Scholarship, please CLICK HERE.
To apply for the 2026 Flats Fishing Certification Training Course, please click on the green GET STARTED NOW button at the bottom.
