Wärtsilä signed a co-operation agreement with a maritime training academy Sydväst Maritime in Turku (Finland) in order to provide accredited training courses and be able to issue IMO/STCW-95 certificates to successful graduates. It is now possible for Wärtsilä Land and Sea Academy (WLSA) to offer around 70 different maritime training courses, which include simulator training and cover all aspects of ship handling and engineering. The facility represents a complete 'one-stop-shop' centre for maritime training solutions to Scandinavian, European and Russian maritime companies.

The co-operation with Sydväst Maritime has provided WLSA with access to 'state-of-the-art' bridge simulator technology. Recently WLSA acquired the latest engine simulators which means that WLSA now has the capability and capacity to deliver both ship handling and engine room training courses. With today's ships becoming ever more complex and technically sophisticated, a well-trained ship's crew not only ensures safety on board but also assists in the effective management of all the ship's operations. Training of ship personnel, at all levels, to a high standard of professionalism is becoming a vital necessity for maritime companies around the world.