About – Skilltrade

About Skilltrade

Our story

Founded by Johan Stam in 2000, Skilltrade has been at the forefront of hydrographic survey training for over two decades. We have trained over 250 graduates from 66 countries and continue to promote hydrographic knowledge internationally. We are proud of empowering professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the hydrographic survey industry.

Our team of experienced industry experts is dedicated to sharing their passion and transmitting their knowledge. We combine theoretical learning with hands-on experience, ensuring students are fully prepared for professional practice.

In March 2025, Skilltrade became part of the Deep group, a strategic move that enhances our capabilities and broadens our reach. Skilltrade continues to operate under its own name, maintaining our commitment to providing top-tier training programs for hydrographic professionals worldwide and carrying on our rich legacy.

OUR MISSION

Skilltrade Survey Academy exists to empower professionals who wish to enter or grow within the hydrographic and offshore survey industry. Hydrography asks a great deal of people. In return, it teaches resilience, careful problem solving and how to rely on the person beside you. Our work is to prepare people for this lifestyle and to keep supporting them long after their first certificate.

By formalising knowledge acquired in the field, honing skills or discovering brand new knowledge, Skilltrade supports people who make the industry. We anchor ourselves in internationally recognised standards to deliver high quality training to the broadest possible audience. Through innovation, blended learning techniques and sheer passion, we hope to grow the current and future generations of surveyors to help make the world of tomorrow bluer and greener.

Accreditation and Recognition

Our Category B Course Programme in Hydrography is recognised by the International Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors and Nautical Cartographers (IBSC), the joint standards board of the International Federation of Surveyors (FIG), the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Cartographic Association (ICA). Recognition was granted in 2022 and runs to the next scheduled recognition review in 2028 and can be seen here.

The programme is delivered as a joint programme with Nova College based in Ijmuiden, where the supervised practical elements are delivered. Nova College is a publicly funded institution of secondary vocational education (MBO) recognised and funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, BRIN number 25PX. The programme is classified at MBO level 4.

Students who complete the programme receive the FIG/IHO/ICA Certificate of Programme Completion. The Certificate of Education awarded on completion of the theoretical component is accepted as part of the IFHS Level 2 professional accreditation path.

Skilltrade Survey Academy operates under its own domain, skilltradeacademy.nl, which hosts the Academy’s teaching systems, student accounts and staff email. Programme, admissions and enrolment information for the Academy is published here at skilltrade.nl. Both domains are operated by Skilltrade B.V.

Our people

Johan Stam

Founder

Florent Aguesse

Managing Director

Christa Ravensbergen

Course Coordinator

vacancy

office support

Lynette Bothma

E-Learning Content Creator

Questions?

Would you like to learn more about our training opportunities, or do you have questions about how we can support you?

Please click the button on the right and complete the contact form, or email us at office@skilltrade.nl and we will get back to you as soon as possible.