recruit train deliver

Workboat
Mate Program
RECRUIT TRAIN DELIVER
www.workboatacademy.com
2 The Workboat Mate Program
Introduction
WEST: Seattle
EAST: Baltimore
GULF: Houston
Introduction
The Workboat Mate Program offers a cost-effective way for passionate individuals that possess little or
no maritime experience to earn highly sought after qualifications.
The Workboat Academy is offered by Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI), the Maritime Institute of
Technology & Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Houston Marine Training Services (HMTS). The Institutes
provide training for both civilian and military seafarers from around the globe. MITAGS, PMI and
HMTS are dedicated to helping mariners maintain and advance their certifications, as well as assisting
individuals who would like to enter the maritime profession.
PMI is located on Seattle’s waterfront, south of the U.S. Coast Guard station and north of the container
and passenger terminals in the heart of the Port of Seattle.
MITAGS is located on a spacious, eighty-acre campus that is just minutes from Baltimore-Washington
International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport in Linthicum Heights, Maryland.
HMTS is located minutes from the New Orleans International Airport in a brand new facility.
Experience
MITAGS, PMI and HMTS have been instructing professional mariners for more than thirty years. With
courses and programs for every level of mariner, from Ordinary Seafarer to Master Mariner, MITAGS,
PMI and HMTS offer all of the training that is necessary for entry into and advancement within the U.S.
Merchant Marine.
Maritime companies also rely on MITAGS, PMI and HMTS to develop and deliver customized and
effective training programs that prepare their mariners for the real-world challenges associated with
vessel operations.
Approvals
The Workboat Mate Program is approved by the United States Coast Guard as a Mate 500-1600 Tons
Program. The State of Washington Workforce Training, Education, and Coordinating Board and the
State of Maryland Higher Education Commission have also approved the Workboat Mate Program.
Veterans and their eligible dependants may qualify for Veteran’s Administration educational benefits
that may be applied towards the Workboat Mate Program (currently available at MITAGS and PMI only).
Table of Contents
Career Opportunities
4
Benefits of the Workboat Mate Program
6
The Program
8
Program Content
9
Pre-Requisites12
Enrollment Information
13
Enrollment Checklist
13
Accommodations14
The Workboat Mate Program 3
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Career Opportunities
The U.S. Merchant Marine
The U.S. Merchant Marine consists of a fleet of privately-owned, U.S. registered merchant vessels that provide waterborne
transportation for cargoes moving in domestic and international commerce. The vessel types vary and include tankers, container
ships, military support ships, ferries, tug boats, offshore supply vessels, and cruise ships. All of these vessels are manned by
U.S. citizens who are required to undergo professional training and evaluations in order to qualify as support, operational, or
management mariners.
The Towing and Offshore Supply Vessel Industry
The majority of vessels under 1600-tons belong to the towing and offshore
supply (OSV) industry segment of the U.S. Merchant Marine. These vessels
are a crucial component of the nation’s transportation system. Tugs
push or pull barges that are loaded with products domestically as well as
Internationally. OSV’s service the offshore oil and gas sector. You can learn
more about the Towing Industry at: http://www.americanwaterways.com/
about_industry/index.html You can learn more about the OSV industry at:
http://www.offshoremarine.org/About/Our-Industry.html
Employment
More stringent training requirements, an aging workforce, and a lack of
entry-level positions have led to an imminent workforce crisis, particularly
for the towing industry. In fact, there is already a critical shortage of AbleBodied Seafarers, so qualified Mates will be much harder to find in the coming years. As a result, a strong “employees market” is
emerging.
While attending the Workboat Mate Program, you will be matched with our Partner Companies that will place you onboard
their vessels for a total of 360 days. Although there is no guarantee of employment at the end of the program, it is expected that
graduates will have ample job opportunities.
Challenges
A maritime career is not for everyone. The long work hours and rough seas can be grueling. Mariners can be expected to work
between 10 to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week while onboard a vessel. Typical tours of duty can range from 14 to 120 days.
Despite the apparent hardships, thousands of people embrace life at sea. They are rewarded and fulfilled by the onboard
experience, while earning a good living. For the most part, the officers and crew are an independent team that work together
to maintain and operate a vessel on the seas and oceans of the world. For many mariners, there is a feeling of freedom that is
experienced when leaving port and heading to sea hauling a full load of cargo. There is also a certain satisfaction when landfall is
made and the cargo is safely delivered.
Advancement
You control your career advancement in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Each license upgrade requires successful completion of specific
educational requirements, proof of competence, and actual sea-service experience. With the right attitude and commitment, you
can work your way up to a senior position and even sail as Captain.
Rewards
n Pay and Benefits: Crew members onboard U.S. registered/flagged tug boats enjoy excellent pay and benefits. The salary
typically ranges from $200 per day for an Able-Bodied Seafarer, to $300 per day for a Mate, and up to $400+ per day for a
Captain. Most full-time employees work between 180 and 240 days per year at sea.
n Travel: As a U.S. Merchant Mariner, you will have the opportunity to travel extensively and experience many different cultures
and people.
n Savings and Quality of Life: At the end of your trip, you will have money in the bank and time to enjoy it. It is this contrast
of fulfilling work onboard a vessel and extended vacation ashore that appeals to most mariners. In fact, it is one of the main
reasons why thousands of people choose this job as a lifetime career.
4 The Workboat Mate Program
Introduction
Finally some good news on the waterfront and a timely
solution to Foss’ challenge of bringing employees up the
Hawsepipe and into the wheelhouse. students attending this
program will actually sail aboard our fleet of tugs and learn
tow boating the “Foss way.” We look forward to watching
graduates of PMI’s program move up the ladder quickly to
Mate. Norm Manly, FOSS Maritime
The Workboat Mate Program 5
BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM
“This program is based on sound pedagogy and a careful consideration of the standards that must be met
by the graduates. It is an intense, demanding program. Good! We want competent people on the bridge.”
– Allen Glenn, Professor and Dean Emeritus for the University of Washington
Benefits of The WORKBOAT Mate Program
Efficient
With the Workboat Mate Program, trainees will earn valuable commercial qualifications up to three years sooner than those
following an independent approach.
The table below compares the time it takes to earn the following qualifications using both the Workboat Mate Program and
the independent approach:
■■ Mate 500-1600 Gross Tons, Oceans, with Towing Endorsement.
■■ STCW-95 Officer-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch.
■■ Able-Bodied Seafarer Limited.
Workboat Mate Program
Independently
Two Years
25-weeks of shore-based instruction.
52-weeks of sea service.
27-weeks of time-off.
Five Years*
22-weeks of shore-based instruction.
156-weeks of sea service.
82-weeks of time-off.
* Based on working 8-months (240-days) per year for 8-hours per day.
Comprehensive
The MITAGS/PMI Workboat Mate Program is organized so that every shore-based training phase is reinforced by
onboard training. This approach allows trainees to apply their new knowledge on-the-job. Furthermore, each phase
builds on the previous, so students develop their skills gradually and logically.
Respected
MITAGS and PMI also provide customized training for major towing companies including, but not limited to: Crowley
Marine Services, Foss Maritime, Dunlap Towing, Moran Towing, Sause Bros., K-Sea, Vane Brothers, and Western Towboat.
The Institutes work closely with these companies to develop and improve training so students have the knowledge,
skills, and qualifications that employers are looking for. Please note that many of these companies already provide the
onboard training component for the MITAGS/PMI Workboat Mate Program.
Student Services
The Workboat Academy is there to help students every step of the way. The Academy offers the following services
and support:
■■ Assistance establishing payment plans and Veterans Benefits (if applicable).
■■ Assistance completing U.S. Coast Guard forms and applications.
■■ Comprehensive program orientation and support.
■■ Assistance establishing relationships with company contacts and serves as the liaison for onboard training.
■■ Arrangement of discounted rates at the local hotels for students attending the program at PMI. Please refer to the
“accommodations” section within this document for further information.
■■ Arrangement of discounted lodging/food rates for students attending the program. Please refer to the
“accommodations” section within this document for additional information.
■■ Free access to the latest license preparation software, which includes solutions for most of the U.S. Coast Guard
examination problems (LAPWARE ~ www.lapware.org).
■■ Career advice and job placement assistance.
6 The Workboat Mate Program
Since 2007, United Ocean Services (UOS) has sponsored, and
subsequently employed, seven Able-Bodied and Ordinary SeaFARERS as they undergo their various Sea Phase stages as part
of the MITAGS WorkBoat Mate Program. The caliber, work ethic,
and conduct of these motivated individuals within our fleet has
brought high praise from vessel Masters and Fleet Managers
alike, and brings credit upon MITAGS’ training programs and
their selection process. We look forward to them gaining their
licenses upon graduation and to welcome them back to the
UOS fleet as competent hawsepipe Deck Officers. Ian Palmer,
Manager, Marine Personnel - U.S United Ocean Services
The Workboat Mate Program 7
THE PROGRAM
The Program
Overview
Introduction
The Workboat Mate Program includes all of the training and support you will need to attain a Mate’s license. More importantly,
it will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on the duties and responsibilities of a Mate.
The two-year program includes twenty-five-weeks* of shore-based training (including three-weeks of simulation),
fifty-two-weeks of required onboard training, and access to the latest license preparation software.
* Does not include optional courses, such as Medical Person-in-Charge (MED-PIC) or Tankerman Person-in-Charge (T-PIC). Info about DP.
Partner Companies
The following companies, which are all leading maritime organizations, provide or have provided berths for the
trainees during the onboard training component of the Workboat Mate Program: Brusco Tug and Barge, Crowley
Marine Services, Dann Marine Towing, Dunlap Towing, Foss Maritime, K-Sea, Laborde Marine, Lindblad Expeditions,
Moran, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration, Odyssey, Penn Maritime, Sause Bros., Scripps Institute,
Tidewater, University of Washington, U.S. United Ocean Services, Vane Brothers, and Western Towboat. Please note
that berths are subject to availability and are based on the needs of both the company and the trainee. Trainees are
typically placed on vessels where they can benefit most from the training. The Workboat Academy is always looking
for additional companies that may be interested in hosting our students.
Outline
The Workboat Mate Program is made up of shore-based and onboard vessel training.
Below is a sample schedule. Exact schedules are to subject change, and
may vary between campuses.
U.S. Coast Guard Examinations
License Preparation
Sea Phase 4
Academy Phase 4
Sea Phase 3
Academy Phase 3
Sea Phase 2
Academy Phase 2
Sea Phase 1
Academy Phase 1
8 The Workboat Mate Program
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
8-weeks
1-week
1-week
IT IS OUR CONTENTION THAT GRADUATES OF THE PMI PROGRAM
ENTERING OUR FLEET MAY BE THE MOST WELL-ROUNDED AND
THOROUGHLY PREPARED MATES AVAILABLE TO THE INDUSTRY TODAY.
DALE SAUSE, Sause bros.
The Workboat Mate Program 9
PRE-REQUISITES
Pre-requisites
High School Diploma, GED, or Placement Tests
In order to succeed in the Workboat Mate Program, students must have a minimum of a high school level education. Acceptable
proof of education includes a High School Diploma, a General Education Diploma (GED), or an acceptable equivalent.
The following placement test scores are acceptable equivalents in lieu of the above referenced certifications:
1. COMPASS Trigonometry Test Minimum Score 46
2. ASSET Writing Test
Minimum Score 38
3. COMPASS Reading Test
Minimum Score 76
4. ASSET Reading Test
Minimum Score 39
Please contact your local community college for further information on COMPASS and ASSET testing.
Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
The process of obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) requires the individual to pass a physical examination
(Coast Guard Form CG-719k), an approved drug test, and a criminal background check. Obtaining this credential prior to enrollment
in the Workboat Mate Program indicates that you should qualify for a Mate’s license provided no physical*, drug, or criminal
issues** emerge after the initial application.
You should apply for your MMC at the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center (REC). For REC locations, please visit
the U.S. Coast Guard website at http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/default.asp
For U.S. Coast Guard application forms, please visit the U.S. Coast Guard website at
http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/credentials/forms/default.asp
NOTE: The process of obtaining a MMC can take up to three months. There are also numerous fees associated
with the process.
TWIC
Attendees in the Workboat Mate Program must possess a valid/current Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
http://www.twicinformation.com/twicinfo/
Passport
Attendees in the Workboat Mate Program must possess a valid/current U.S. Passport.
Minimum Age
The minimum age required to participate in the Workboat Mate
Program is nineteen (19).
* Physical examination requires normal color vision.
** Criminal convictions may affect ability to be licensed.
*** A D.U.I. is not acceptable for our partner companies that
transit within Canadian Waters.
10 The Workboat Mate Program
ENROLLMENT INFORMATION
ENROLLMENT information
The MITAGS/PMI Workboat Mate Program includes approximately twenty-five weeks of classroom training, fifty-two weeks of
onboard training, and access to license preparation software (LAPWARE ~ www.lapware.org).
During the onboard training portion of the program, trainees will earn either wages or a monthly stipend. For additional
information relating to the monthly stipend, please contact the Assistant Director of the Workboat Academy program by
calling: (206) 395-8365 or by e-mail at: marja@workboatacademy.com
Payments
The first payment is due no later than one month before the program start date. Payments for the remaining balance will
be spread out over the course of the program. All independent candidates will be required to complete and sign a payment
schedule. For additional information on program payments, please contact the Workboat Academy at (206) 395-8375.
GI Bill
Both PMI and MITAGS are approved training providers for veterans benefits. Therefore, veterans may qualify for educational
benefits that can be applied toward the Workboat Mate Program. For a complete description of the educational benefits
that are available to veterans, please visit the Veterans Administration website at www.gibill.va.gov or call toll-free at
(888) 442-4551.
Enrollment Checklist
Step
Action
Check
1
Contact the Workboat Academy at (206) 395-8365 or via e-mail at
marja@workboatacademy.com
2
Interview at one of our Workboat Academy campuses.
3
Interview with a Company representative to determine eligibility for the
sea phase portion of the program.
Complete the following requirements:
4
n
Provide the Workboat Academy with proof of education: High School
Diploma, GED, or equivalency though Placement Test Scores.
n
Obtain loan or other funding source.
n
Obtain Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
n
Complete required paperwork including an Enrollment Agreement for
your preferred campus.
n
Sign the Consent and Release Form.
5
Obtain a Merchant Mariner Credential, TWIC Card and a valid
U.S. Passport
6
Submit first deposit at least one month prior to the program
start date.
7
Make transportation and overnight lodging arrangements.
The Workboat Mate Program 11
Where to Stay
Accommodations in seattle
Recommended Lodging: Holiday Inn, Seattle Center
PMI recommends using the Holiday Inn at Seattle Center while attending the academic phases at PMI.
The staff is friendly and accustomed to long-term students. Amenities include a clean, spacious room with
free high-speed Internet access, a microwave, and a refrigerator. The hotel also offers free parking in their
secured garage, complimentary continental breakfast in the Executive Lounge, and shuttle service to and
from the school on weekdays.
Location: 211 Dexter Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109.
Seattle Waterfront
PMI Rates: Call for current lodging rates. Please let the hotel know you are a student at PMI, so you will be
eligible for special pricing.
Telephone: (206) 694-0065
5
99
Ellio
Sea
Bremttle
erto
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tt A
ve.
SEATTLE
erry
PACIFIC
MARITIME
INSTITUTE
Hamilton
Viewpoint
Park
West Waterway
Fairmont
Industril
Park
District West
Harbor
Island
St.
on
dis
a
E. M
90
Beacon Hill
99
West Seattle
Please ask for a corporate Sales Manager.
Maplewood
Playfield
Puget Park
Please see Craigslist.com or NW Classifieds for room shares, rentals, short-term housing, etc.
S. Ala
ska S
t.
Rainier Valley
PMI in Seattle, Washington
ACCOMMODATIONS IN linthicum heights
Recommended Lodging: MITAGS
■■ Ship store
■■ Free shuttle service to and from the
Baltimore-Washington International
(BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport.
195
97
495
MD-50
■■ Self-service laundry facilities
■■ Jogging-walking trails
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Location: 692 Maritime Boulevard, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
MITAGS rates: MITAGS offers both single and double occupancy rates
that include the following:
■■ Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
BWI Airport
and Amtrak
95
MD
-3
■■ Game room
MARITIME INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
AND GRADUATE
STUDIES
MD-100
-2
MD
■■ Indoor swimming pool
MITAGS’ onsite hotel.
■■ Free parking
BALTIMORE
ANNAPOLIS
MD301
■■ Fitness center
695
M
D29
5
MITAGS recommends using its onsite hotel for overnight lodging. All overnight guestrooms include
private bath, queen or two-double beds, satellite television, high-speed Internet access, coffee-maker,
refrigerator, and workstation with executive chair. Students also have access to MITAGS’ onsite
ammenities, including the following:
Reagan National Airport
MITAGS in Linthicum Heights, Maryland
■■ Continuous refreshments/break service
Please call MITAGS’ Program Manager for current lodging rates.
Telephone: (410) 859-5700, extension 3531, or toll-free at (866) 656-5569.
Accommodations in Kenner, LA
All overnight guestrooms include private bath, king or two-double beds, television, high-speed Internet
access, coffee-maker, refrigerator, microwave and workstation with executive chair. Amenities, including
the following:
Canal St. New Orleans
■■ Fitness center
■■ Self-service laundry facilities
■■ Indoor swimming pool
■■ Breakfast each morning, including an
■■ Fitness Room
■■ Free parking
■■ Free shuttle service to and from the
New Orleans International Airport.
■■ Free shuttle service to and from
Houston Marine Training Facility
omelet station
■■ One hour manager’s reception from
6:00 – 7:00 Monday - Thursday. (This
is not a sit down restaurant but a
buffet type serving for one hour.
It will be a different theme each
night….BBQ, Italian, Mexican..etc).
Location: 0.4 miles from Houston Marine Training Facility, 3.0 miles from New Orleans International
Airport, right off Interstate 10 exit. 2710 Idaho Ave. Kenner, La 70062
Telephone: (504) 466-6066
Fax: (504) 466-8282
12 The Workboat Mate Program
Lake Pontc
Causeway hartrain
Recommended Lodging: Comfort Suites Kenner
HOUSTON MARINE
TRAINING SERVICES
W. Esplanade Ave.
49
Camp Leroy
Johnson
10
KENNER
310
Louis Armstrong
New Orleans
InternationalAirport
18
61
90
10
3152
Airline Dr.
610
METAIRIE
Ca
na
3139
River Ridge
Elmwood
Harahan
90
Bridge
City
18
90
lS
t.
90
Westwego
Marrero
HMTS in New Orleans, LA
90
NEW
ORLEANS
East
Riverside
Waggaman
10
Gretna
Harvey
Workboat
Mate Program
RECRUIT TRAIN DELIVER
www.workboatacademy.com
r102009