Course Testmonials

This was the second time that I have done a course at Shooting Training Solutions. I would without hesitation, recommend this course to anyone who's interested in coming into the Maritime industry or for those who are already in it.

Great course, very intense and a lot to take in during the day but due to the instruction it is manageable and at the same time very enjoyable. I personally learnt a lot throughout the day and due to the high level of experience from the instructor it is put across very well and in a methodical order. Highly recommened the course.

This is the Second time that I have done the STS Course and I would highly Recommend it,it is well instructed from start to finish by instructor Mr.Mark Knowles who brings a Wealth of Experience and Knowledge in all Areas regarding Armed Maritime Security. Thanks once again for a Good Day.

A very in depth and intense course but feel under the current circumstances in the industry it is needed. The course high-lighted areas where instruction on previous courses was not satisfactory or correct and I learnt far more by conducting this firearms course.. All this being said the course was very enjoyable and relaxed but still maintaining the right standards needed. Mark Knowles subject knowledge was excellent and will certainly recommended the course to others in the industry. Thank you

This really is an excellent, compact course. The instructor clearly demonstrated a wealth of knowledge and experience, that combined with his efficient teaching of very efficient drills, made getting to grips with a multitude of weapons seem very simple. I would recommend STS to anybody looking to work in the armed security industry, and will be returning myself upon expiry of my certification. I won't pretend I was happy shelling out 270 sheets for a one day course, but it was the cheapest I could find, that would give me the correct certification for work in the maritime security industry. And after 11 years as a marine it appears I still had a lot to learn, which speaks volumes for the standard of training from STS..... 5 STARS.

Its actually been around 4 years since I last touched a weapon, so I thought I would take advantage of putting myself on the Maritime Weapon Familiarization day and Maritime Firearms Competency Course. First and foremost, Mark or (Nobby to many) who owns the company and runs the course is one of the most experienced operators you are likely to meet. What he doesnt know about firearms you could write on the back of a postage stamp. He he also a very well respected ex SF operator with 33 years experience to boot. So the first day was spent doing exactly what the title of the course described- Familiarizing myself with the weapons. Its suprising how quickly you can lose the ability to be competant and safe when handling firearms . However thanks to kNobbys methods and persistance for perfection and safety, I managed to finish the first day with most of the fire arms drills rattling around inside my head and a couple of aching arms and thumbs to add to the headache. The Second day was the Competency Course itself where we were reintroduced to the usual suspects of the AK47 and the M16. We were also introduced to variety of other weapons which were relevent to the course as they are all used by various companies within the Maritime Security Industry. KNobby was thourough in explaining each weapon and then demonstated the NSPs,Stripping and Assembling and Function tests of each weapon. We were then shown the TOETs for each weapon and then made to go through everything with every weapon that KNobby had done previously. Once KNobby was satisfied that we were all safe and proficient with our weapon handling, we the progressed to the range where got plenty of opportunites to fire all of the weapons covered. The course facilities were good and the range and kit is about as good as you would get in the uk using conversion weapons and ammunition. If you are thinking of attending this course with the mindset of just getting a tick in the box then I suggest you look elsewhere. However, if you want a professional course that covers everything about being safe and competant with a firearm then I strongly recommend this course. Overall, a worthy investment and a hell of a lot of cobwebs blown away after a hefty lay off on the tools.

Very informative, high standard of training given through a package specifically designed for maritime security contractors. I highly recomended course that is widely recognised the industry as one of the top courses with regards to firearms competency.

An excellent training course. Perfect balance of theory and practical sessions. I had limited experience and the instructor easily adjusted the pace of the course to meet my training needs to enable me to build my confidence and learn the relevant slskill levels, through attending a one day weapons familiarisation course, prior to the competency course. Excellent trainer with lots of knowledge, good training delivery style and obvious credibility in all areas of the course content. A very safe and professionally run course, which I would highly recommend without hesitation.

The course certainly wasn't a tick-box affair - you had to work to get the pass! The standard of the weapons training is extremely high and everything is taught clearly and concisely. All the common weapons systems employed in the Maritime industry were covered. Nobbys style of teaching is systematic and provided you can count 1 to 4 you wont forget it! I came away from the course knowing that my weapons skills are up to the standards required in the industry – its easy to become complacent and that’s why annual training is essential. An outstanding course!

Shooting Training Solutions provided me with a comprehensive package of revision, reteach and instruction on weapons I have not used or been trained on to a high standard.The course I attended was tailored to the Maritime security industry covering most of the weapons you are likely to encounter with the meany Maritime security companies.My instructor had a wealth of knowlege and personal exspirence on all the weapons,giving usful tips on the dos and donts with the weapons and the must have tools which are worth having for your self,he also had a good up to date knowlege of things happening in the industry which he passed on to the course.The indoor range work was also tailored to Maritime security industry,simulating shooting on ships from various fire positions and cover found on board in body armour and helmet as you would.We fired a good solection of weapons that are used in the industry, good exspirence,Overal the course was very good and I would recomend it to any one coming into the industry and any body in the industry who needs a refresher.

An excellent one day course held in Dorset. The content includes theory followed by practical elements which will enhance and improve an operatives skill set. The instruction is of the highest quality and the course takes place in a safe and secure environment. This is the course to do.

A very good course indeed. Very intense and a lot was learned in just one day. Also very good value for money when compared to other training providers. Will definatley be recommending it to fellow operatives.

very well put together the instructor knows his subject matter, overall a a brilliant day. Thanks

I my view the best fire arms competency course out there And the only one you need to do! This course ticks all the right boxes, valve for money, course content, relevance and the tuition standard is second to none. My advice is that if you need to do a fire arm competency course, look no further, this one sets the standard and it is hight.

A very professionally run course, that delivers a very high level of instruction both in theory and practical application. The weapons drills are taught in a practical way that is easy to understand and remember. A large number of weapons are covered on the course, which enables the student to extend and revise their knowledge base this includes weapon drills and live firing. Range serials are realistic and well run. I would highly recommend to anybody in the Maritime Security Industry. Good value for money with excellent instruction.

A fantastic and comprehensive course. Great teaching methods and easy to follow instructions to learn how to use all of the weapon systems safely and easily. Nobby has a huge amount of experience which leaves you feeling positive that you will come away from the course confident in weapon handling and firing. Highly recommended course for anyone that needs weapons competency.

Did this course a few years, was a good course although a lot more expensive then.

Very pleased with the course for the following reasons; 1. Good early start ensuring value for money. 2. An instructor who really knows his subject. 3. Comprehesive teaching on a wide range of maritime related subjects & instruction given throughout the day. 4. A varied selection of weapons with handy tips given to help with awkward disassembly & reassembly pieces 5. Plenty of refreshment breaks with complementary snacks provided throughout the day. Overall a very good experience, I've been on previous refresher courses where the cost does not equal the service but that cannot be said about this course. I would definitely recommend this course but you must apply yourself as this is not a "duty attend", all the information is relevant & up to date.

This is a great course with a great instructor, I would be happy to recomend this course to any lads that ask.

I attended the 1 day Maritime firearms competency course with Shooting Training Solutions in Sherborne and had a great day. I found the day very well structured and planed. Also the instructor very competent and his teaching method very easy to learn from. Would recommend for others. I was very well welcomed by a great B&B just down the road at the Bakehouse.

Mark Knowles was and excellent instructor with a wealth of experience delivering a well structured course that was relevant to the needs of the Maritime security operative.

Nobby is a first class instructor and coming from his background I would expect nothing less. As a fellow shooter I found his teaching very easy to follow and wish I had done this type of instruction whilst serving. the lessons where well structured and extremely well presented. I thought that as a SAA instructor I wouldnt learn to much and just do a few weapon handling tests (Boy was I wrong) the course is designed to put you through your paces and it does!!! CLS just remember it I would Highly recommend this course to any future Maritime Operators to complete.

Fantastic 1 day course, familiarisation and weapon handling with choice company weapons. Fully recommend to do for starting out or as refresher course!

I enjoyed the time I spent on this course and found it value for money. At no point did I feel rushed everything was done at a good pace and the instructors knowledge was second to none I would defiantly recommend this course with shooting training solutions this course defiantly helped improve my knowledge on different weapon systems

First class instruction - I learnt new skills and drills on all weapons systems. The days training was extremely well structured from start to finish and included lunch. Excellent value for money and the instructor even included a comprehesive piracy brief bringing everyone up speed with the current piracy situation. Finally, this was my third firearms competency course and it was, by far, the best.