Course Testmonials

Hi.ive just finished the Fire arms course.Was really enjoyable and intresting especially being exposed to various foreign weapons and being trained with it.And with the help of a very good instructor.I would recommend this course to anyone thinking of working in the maritime industry.Enjoyed the range package most.Goodwork guys.

Mark Knowles, is very enthusiastic and with his background a very professional instructor. Covering a wide variety of weapon systems and getting to fire majority of them down the range. Showing us every component and stripping the weapon down for daily cleaning he covers everything and more to make sure you're confident. Power point is kept to a minimum, giving the students plenty of time for hands on. Mark covers everything, including personal experience and knowledge on the industry, every question answered. Lunch, refreshments and plenty of brews. A DVD also handed out at the end of the course to help familiarize yourself prior to any deployment. Top bloke, many thanks.

This was the 3rd course I have done with STS which says everything really, again excellent tuition both practical and theory. Nobby is just a fountain of knowledge when it comes to weapons and the maritime industry, some of it a bit scary at times especially some of the horror stories that he's heard over the years. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone looking to refresh their original course, however if your original course was with one of the many tin pot companies out there you might be in for a shock, it is quite intensive at times and at a fast pace but with the excellent tuition I'm sure you will be fine.

3 years out of the Army, this was a steep learning curve to say the least but with the top of the range instructor Nobby at the helm I can now say I'm competent on the varients covered. By the numbers, COCKER LOCKER SAFETY. IT WORKS

A very good course with a first rate instructor KNobby Clark. fantastic to see the inclusion of a .22 version of the FNFAL, more relevant as many of the security companies use this weapon system. From the 3 maritime firearms courses I have completed, STS hits more areas and training objectives and I consider this course the gold standard and will be attending the refresher next year.

An eye-opener of a course, which ran superbly with excellent instruction and access to a wide variety of firearms, which accumulated in an enjoyable and informative course. Shooting training solutions stands at the top of its field. Many thanks to Nobby.

found this course exceptional value for money and the instructor was immense with his skills and knowledge I recommend to anyone whatever their skill set.

Having been on previous firearms training courses, nothing could compare with the structure of the course and the knowledge of Nobby Knowles. Very professional in every aspect and I would recommend this course to anyone, no matter what industry, if they wish to enhance their knowledge of weapons.

Returned to complete this course for the second time. From booking to receiving my certificate it was a seamless experience. Excellent training day covering different weapons; some advanced techniques; legal issues and much more. All covered in an extremely professional manner. Thanks again.

The initial intelligence Briefing was very helpful in understanding the current Piracy situation in the Indian Ocean and West Africa - as well as the legal requirements expected of MSOs. In regard to the Firearms training, there was a wide variety of weapons involved. I had suffered from some skill-fade over the last 12 months and Nobby's teaching really got me back to standard. The structure of the training was very logical and progressive throughout the day and simulated engagements on a ship well. The lessons given on weapon sights and marksmanship were also vital and clearly-delivered. In summary, I really enjoyed the course today. I would strongly recommend this course for anyone in the Industry.

To say that Mark "Nobby" Knowles has extensive experience in his field would be a gross understatement, and of all the resources he has at his disposal, it is this expertise that makes this course such great value. I can honestly say, that I learned more about weapon handling in one day than I did in my entire 19 year career in the infantry. My usually average marksmanship was massively improved by the end of the course and left me with a renewed confidence in my abilities and my capacity to learn and apply new skills and ideas. I would not only endorse Mark for his instructional abilities, but also his integrity, which ensures that only the highest possible standards are acceptable for the industry.

Highly recommend this course, the teaching is excellent and very easy to follow. Everything you learn can be remembered and applied easily. Prior to this course I had only ever used the SA80 and GPMG and hadnt used either since leaving the army a year ago. However the course is so good I now feel I could use almost any rifle safely using the methods taught. really enjoyed my time there and look forward to my refresher. COCKER LOCKER SAFETY!

The training and course structure with Shooting Training Solutions was excellent. The course instructor was extremely professional, very knowledgable and friendly guy and his training was very well put across. I liked the fact there was plenty of hands on on the weapons as I was hoping, and also some theory in the class room which was very useful and a good refresher. The Instructor to student ratio was 1 to 4 guys nd I could not fault it in any way. A good array of weapons where covered, 6 in total including the M4, AK47 and SLR. Taught all NSP’s and stripping/assembling on all weapons and all stoppage drills etc. Was very pleased that the quality of instruction was the same on each weapon and in depth but easy to understand. Firing positions while on board a moving vessel where covered also. The facilities are excellent! The range was of a great standard and obviously excellently run and safety adhered to at all times. We had tea breaks and lunch break, all food and "wets" provided. Administration and booking of the course was easy and good. The instructor genuinely wants you to get the most out of the course and does everything possible to get this done on an Individual basis I would most definitely recommend Shooting Training Solutions to any other MSO,s in the industry needing to get their training done. If anyone asks me about firearms training then I will definitly be telling them to get in contact with STS and will tell them of my positive experiences with STS. This was my third time doing my firemarms with STS and I will be using them again in the future. I think the value for money for the cost of the course was good too. A.B

Did my STS Maritime Refresher Course today, I must say I'm glad I did it again with STS, well worth the money you pay for, as not only do you get to clear the cobwebs and rid off skill fades of firing a live weapon with various drills, I really did learn alot with valuable advice given by the instructor explaining laws and how to cover yourself by doing the right things in a piracy attack or aproach, these were coupled with great indepth intel of current situational reports of the countries surrounding the High Risk Areas. gives you a higher understanding of the job therefore boosting your confidence in what you do. Definately recommend this course. and looking forward to my next refresher next year.

Course is good and help me gain experience in different weapon....where the Instructor is more experience and I looking forward for my course refresher next year.

From the start of the day to close of play this course is very informative and user friendly. The scope of weaponry used during the course is large, with hands on time and instruction for each very conclusive. Nobby teaches a very simple weapon handling method which is transferable to all weapon systems used during the day and will be very easily remembered until the refresher course next year. An exceptional instructor with a strong understanding of the maritime industry and very useful to have for reference in the future. I would advise this course to anyone.

I have attended this Course twice now as my current Certification expired. I can only say good things once again, both about the coupe and instructor, as both times it has been professional and informative. The knowledge possessed by the Instructor 'Mark Knowles' is apparent from the start making you more eager to learn and acquire the same level of knowledge and weapons competency. This course is a pass or fail which allows for high standard to be maintain from all those that have completed the course.

Good thorough course of different weapons being used by the various maritime companies. Will be doing it again next year!

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.