cmaritime training and education - The Seafarers International Union

C
ta alog
MARITIME TRAINING
2010
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
AND
EDUCATION
2011
1
FROM THE PRESIDENT
*Top of the Class*
W
elcome to the Paul Hall
Center for Maritime
Training and Education-the
largest training facility for
deep sea merchant seafarers
and inland waterway boatmen in the United States.
Founded more than
four decades ago in August
1967, the center was named
in honor of the late Paul
Hall, the second president of
the Seafarers International
Union. During its early days,
the center focused primarily
on providing training for a manpower pool to work aboard
U.S. ships. It also served as a hub where mariners could go to
hone their skills and keep them up to date.
Over the years, the center has undergone far-reaching
transformation and boasts an amazing story of progress
and growth. During that time however, its basic mission has
remained unchanged: to educate and deliver the world’s best
trained and most safe mariners.
So far, the center has accomplished its charge in impressive fashion. Enrollment is strong and the overwhelming
majority of those who enter the institution successfully accomplish their goals. To date, more than 22,000 individuals
have completed the center’s eight-month entry level training
program and went on to enjoy prosperous careers as merchant
seamen. Another 110,000 have enhanced their skills by returning to the center and participating in upgrading training
programs. Some 1,200 honorably discharged military veterans
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also have secured maritime jobs through the center and more
than 2,000 people have earned their GEDS while attending the
school. The institution also offers college degrees in nautical
science and engineering.
Situated on 60-plus picturesque acres of waterfront in
Piney Point, Md., this world class training facility includes
the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the Thomas B.
Crowley Sr. Education Center and the Paul Hall Library and
Maritime Museum. The center currently offers 75 U.S. Coast
Guard-approved courses which are taught by dozens of
highly qualified and dedicated instructors. In addition to an
impressive bevy of well-equipped multi-function classrooms,
the center boasts 11 maritime simulators which enable instructors to conduct training on multiple maritime platforms.
The school is a joint trust between the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/
NMU and its contracted employers. The school is funded and
maintained through joint contributions of signatory employers. Jointly appointed trustees then manage the contributions
to most effectively operate the school.
Outlined in the following pages are descriptions of the
courses as well as other information on what prospective
students can expect to encounter as they embark on meaningful professions in the maritime trades industry.
I trust that you will be excited about what you read and
that you will allow the school to assist you in navigating your
career path.
Michael Sacco
President
Seafarers International Union
The Paul Hall Center
TABLE
OF
Top of the Class
By President Michael Sacco ............................................................ C2
History of the Paul Hall Center
Mission and Goals
Mission ..........................................................................................
Goals ..............................................................................................
Training ..........................................................................................
Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention ..................................................
Tuition ............................................................................................ 20
Transfer Courses ............................................................................ 20
Upgraders’ Rules and Regulations .................................................. 20
Licensing and Certification ............................................................. 21
Deck Department Program for Upgrading, Certification and Licensing
6
6
6
7
Training Record Book ......................................................... 7
The Paul Hall Center
Facilities ......................................................................................... 9
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School ................................ 9
Radar/ARPA Simulator .................................................................... 9
Library ............................................................................................ 10
Audiovisual Production ................................................................... 10
The Thomas B. Crowley, Sr., Education Center ................................ 10
Computer Lab ................................................................................. 10
Health Care ..................................................................................... 10
Recreation ...................................................................................... 10
Health Spa ...................................................................................... 10
Arts and Crafts ............................................................................... 10
Sea Chest ....................................................................................... 10
Laundry .......................................................................................... 10
Seafarers Training and Recreation Center (TRC)
Rules and Regulations .................................................................... 11
General Information
Academic Calendar ........................................................................ 12
Class Schedule ............................................................................... 12
Holidays ......................................................................................... 12
Counseling Service ......................................................................... 12
Religious Services .......................................................................... 12
Veteran Benefits ............................................................................. 12
Credits ........................................................................................... 12
ACE Recommendations .................................................................. 12
IACET – Continuing Education Credits ............................................ 12
Department of Labor Apprentice Program ....................................... 12
Permanent Record Information Policy ............................................. 13
Grading Policy ................................................................................ 13
Certification and Licensing ............................................................. 13
Academic Honesty .......................................................................... 13
Upgraders Review Board ................................................................ 13
Vocational Education
Building Skills for the Future ........................................................... 14
Unlicensed Apprentice Program
Admissions Requirements and Procedures ..................................... 14
Coast Guard and Uniform Fees ....................................................... 15
Bill of Student Rights ...................................................................... 15
Student Council .............................................................................. 16
Program of Studies ......................................................................... 16
Unlicensed Apprentice Program Course Descriptions
Shipboard Sanitation ............................................................... 17
Galley Familiarization ............................................................... 17
Basic Fire Fighting ................................................................... 17
First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ................. 17
Industrial Relations I ................................................................ 17
Water Survival ......................................................................... 18
Vessel Familiarization .............................................................. 18
Vessel Maintenance and Operations ........................................ 18
Physical Education ................................................................... 18
Social Responsibilities ............................................................. 18
Applications ................................................................................... 19
Upgrading Training
Applications and General Admission Requirements
to Upgrading Programs ................................................................... 20
Student Life .................................................................................... 20
Textbook Procedures ...................................................................... 20
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
CONTENTS
Course Descriptions:
Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman .......................................... 23
Fundamental Concepts of Navigation ....................................... 23
AB/Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch ..................... 23
Officer-In-Charge of a Navigational Watch (500 + GRT) ............ 24
Inland Deck Department Program ............................................ 26
First Class Pilot ........................................................................ 26
Master 100 Ton ........................................................................ 26
Deck Department Electives
Radar Observer ........................................................................ 26
Radar Observer – Unlimited ..................................................... 26
Radar Observer – Refresher ..................................................... 26
Radar Observer – Recertification ............................................. 26
Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) ............................... 26
Celestial Navigation ................................................................. 26
Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) ....................................... 28
Visual Communications (Flashing Lights) ................................. 28
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) ............. 28
Bridge Resource Management (Limited) .................................. 28
Electronic Chart Display Information System (ECDIS) ................ 29
Basic Meteorology ................................................................... 29
Magnetic and Gyro Compasses ................................................ 29
Terrestrial and Coastal Navigation ............................................ 30
Cargo Handling (Operational Level) .......................................... 30
Ship Construction and Basic Stability ....................................... 30
Emergency Procedures (Operational Level) .............................. 31
Search and Rescue (Operational Level) .................................... 31
Electronic Navigation ............................................................... 31
Basic Shiphandling and Steering Control System ..................... 32
Watchkeeping (Operational Level) Including Bridge .................. 32
Resource Management
Apprentice Mate (Steersman) ................................................... 32
Engineering Program
Engine Department Upgrading Courses ........................................... 34
Course Descriptions:
Fireman, Oiler and Watertender ................................................ 35
FOWT: Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations .................................... 35
FOWT: Basic Steam Operations ................................................ 35
FOWT: Basic Motor Plant Operations ........................................ 36
Junior Engineer ....................................................................... 37
Basic Electricity ....................................................................... 37
Basic Refrigeration and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance ................................... 37
Auxiliary Plant Maintenance ..................................................... 38
Machinist ................................................................................. 38
Pumpman ................................................................................ 38
Chief Electrician ....................................................................... 39
Marine Electrician .................................................................... 39
Marine Refrigeration Technician ............................................... 40
Marine Refrigerated Containers Maintenance ........................... 40
Inland Engine Department Courses
Designated Duty Engineer/Assistant Engineer (Limited) (Non-STCW)
Engine Department Electives:
Engine Room Familiarization .................................................... 41
Engine Room Troubleshooting and Casualty Control ................. 41
General Plant Maintenance ...................................................... 41
Diesel Engine Maintenance ...................................................... 42
Welding ................................................................................... 42
Hydraulics Maintenance ........................................................... 42
Steward Department Upgrading Courses
Course Descriptions:
Baking and Galley Operations .................................................. 43
Certified Chief Cook ................................................................. 43
Advanced Galley Operations .................................................... 44
Chief Steward .......................................................................... 44
see next page…
1
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
All Departments Upgrading and Specialty Courses
Course Descriptions:
Water Survival ......................................................................... 45
Tankerman Person-In-Charge (Barge) (DL) (Inland Course) ....... 45
Tank Ship Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) ......................... 46
Basic Electronics ..................................................................... 46
Tank Ship Familiarization/Liquefied Gasses (LNG) .................... 46
Marine Electronics Technician I and II ....................................... 46
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Recertification .............................. 47
Basic Safety Training (STCW) ................................................... 47
Basic Safety Training for New Mariners (STCW) ........................ 48
Proficiency in Survival Craft ..................................................... 48
Crowd Management ................................................................ 48
Crisis Management and Human Behavior ................................. 49
Fast Rescue Boat ..................................................................... 49
Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (DL) Person-in Charge (PIC) ........ 49
Vessel Security Officer ............................................................. 50
Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (DL) With Simulator .................... 50
Water Survival (5 Days) ............................................................ 51
Welding ................................................................................... 51
Government Vessels
Course Descriptions:
Damage Control ....................................................................... 52
Material Handling (Forklift) ....................................................... 52
Underway Replenishment (UNREP) ........................................... 52
Cargo Handling ........................................................................ 52
Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense (CBR-D) ........... 52
Marine Environment (Pollution) ................................................ 52
Level I: Anti-Terrorism/Personal Protection .............................. 53
Small Arms Instruction Initial Qualification ............................... 53
Small Arms Instruction Re-Qualification ................................... 53
Basic Safety Training Renewal MSC Vessels ............................. 54
Fire Fighting and First Aid Courses
Course Descriptions:
Basic Fire Fighting ................................................................... 54
First Aid/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) ....................... 54
Combined Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting ............................ 54
Community CPR ....................................................................... 55
Basic Fire Fighting 16 hours STCW .......................................... 55
Medical Care Provider .............................................................. 56
40 Hour Advanced Fire Fighting ............................................... 56
Safety and Environmental Classes
Course Descriptions:
Oil Spill Response .................................................................... 57
Oil Spill Prevention and Containment ....................................... 57
HAZMAT Specialist ................................................................... 57
HAZMAT Technician ................................................................. 57
HAZMAT Recertification ........................................................... 57
HAZMAT First Responder: Awareness Level .............................. 57
HAZMAT Incident Commander ................................................. 57
Confined Space Safety and Rescue .......................................... 58
Confined Space Safety ............................................................. 58
Passenger Vessel Training
Passenger Vessel Courses:
Basic Safety Training for New Mariners (STCW) ........................ 60
Proficiency in Survival Craft ..................................................... 60
Crowd Management ................................................................ 60
Crisis Management and Human Behavior ................................. 60
Fast Rescue Boat ..................................................................... 60
Water Survival (5 Days) ............................................................ 60
General Courses
Course Descriptions:
Introduction to Computers ....................................................... 62
Industrial Relations II ............................................................... 62
Train the Trainer ....................................................................... 62
Recertification Program
Course Descriptions:
Recertified Bosun .................................................................... 63
Recertified Steward ................................................................. 63
2
continued
Academic Department
Course Descriptions:
Adult Education Program ......................................................... 64
Application and Admission to the Adult Education Programs ..... 64
Eligibility .................................................................................. 64
Application .............................................................................. 64
Course Descriptions:
English as a Second Language (ESL) ....................................... 65
ABE/ESL Preparation Courses .................................................. 65
Basic Vocational Support (BVS) ................................................ 65
Adult Basic Education (ABE) ..................................................... 65
High School Equivalency Program (GED) .................................. 65
Correspondence Courses ......................................................... 66
Correspondence Materials ....................................................... 66
College Program
Associates of Applied Science and Certificate Program
Admission ................................................................................ 66
Grading Policy .......................................................................... 66
Auditing a Course .................................................................... 67
Withdrawal from a Course ....................................................... 67
Incomplete .............................................................................. 67
Academic Standing and Dismissal .......................................... 67
Credit Evaluation
ACE Recommendations ............................................................ 67
Credit by Examination .............................................................. 68
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) .............................. 68
Transfer and Credit-Hour Requirements ................................... 68
General Education Requirements ............................................. 69
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Nautical Science Technology .................................................... 69
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Marine Engineering Technology ............................................... 69
Maritime Technology Certificate Program ..................................... 71
Academic General Education Courses
Course Descriptions:
BAD 112
Personal Financial Management ........................ 72
BIO 150
Pollution Control in the Marine Industries ........... 72
ENG 099
Developmental Writing ....................................... 72
ENG 101
Composition and Rhetoric .................................. 72
ENG 102
Composition and Literature ................................ 72
GRY 111
Introduction to Physical Geography .................... 72
GRY 111
Introduction to Physical Geography .................... 72
HST 101
The United States to 1877 ................................. 73
HST 102
The United States from 1877 ............................. 73
HST 110
World Civilization ............................................... 73
HST 111
Independent Study in World Cultures .................. 73
MTH 099
Developmental Mathematics .............................. 73
MTH 101
College Mathematics I ....................................... 73
MTH 102
College Mathematics II ....................................... 74
PET 221
Principles of Engineering I .................................. 74
PET 222
Principles of Engineering II ................................. 74
PHS 101
General Physical Science I ................................. 74
PHS 102
General Physical Science II ................................ 74
PHY 101
Fundamentals of Physics I ................................. 74
PHY 102
Fundamentals of Physics II ................................. 74
POL 101
American Government ....................................... 74
PSY 101
Principles of Psychology .................................... 75
PSY 107
Industrial Psychology ......................................... 75
RDG 099
Analytical Reading & Reasoning ......................... 75
SOC 101
Principles of Sociology ....................................... 75
Faculty and Staff .......................................................................... 76
S.I.U. Ports ..................................................................................... 85
Trustees ......................................................................................... 86
Compliance Officers for the Paul Hall Center................................. 87
The Paul Hall Story ........................................................................ 88
Map of the Paul Hall Center ........................................................... 90
Legend ......................................................................................... 91
Route Map to Piney Point and the Paul Hall Center ....................... 92
The Paul Hall Center
Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training
and Education
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School
Thomas B. Crowley, Sr., Education Center
Lindsay Williams Building/
Bob McMillan Simulator Center
Chesapeake Culinary Institute
Paul Hall Library and
Maritime Museum
2010 / 2011
P.O. Box 75, Route 249
45353 St. Georges Ave.
Piney Point, Maryland 20674-0075
(301) 994-0010
For additional information, visit our web site at www.seafarers.org.
Admission - www.admissions@seafarers.org
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and,Education is an equal opportunity educational institution.
Copyright: 2008 Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and,Education
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
3
History of the Paul Hall Center
he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
is the largest training facility for deep-sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. The
Center has developed a pioneering approach to education that has
successfully integrated vocational training, academic enrichment
and trade union responsibility.
Named for Paul Hall (1915-1980), an outstanding past president of the Seafarers International Union, the Center is the product
of a unique cooperative effort between the Seafarers International
Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters
District/NMU, AFL-CIO (SIU). The Center includes the Joseph
Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Education Center, the Chesapeake Culinary Institute, and the Paul Hall
Library and Maritime Museum. These entities are collectively referred to in this catalog as the “Center”. The Center is committed to
providing the nation’s maritime industry with skilled, physically
fit and responsible deep-sea seafarers and inland waterways boatmen.
The Center believes that the men and women who choose careers as professional seafarers or boatmen must be provided with
the knowledge and skills to keep pace with technological advances
within their industries. As a result, the Center has developed a total program for professional advancement as a boatman or deep-
T
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sea mariner. This program focuses on three key areas:
1. Providing young men and women who have no maritime
experience with the basic skills they will need to serve aboard U.S.
flagships or tugs and towboats;
2. Providing professional advancement for experienced men
and women through career upgrading programs; and
3. Providing the academic education which is an essential complement to the modern technical skills needed in today’s water
transport industries.
Since its founding, the Center has provided qualified manpower aboard America’s merchant vessels whenever and where ever
needed to ensure that vital cargo is moved safely and on time.
Originally, the Seafarers International Union maintained training facilities in five ports throughout the country. As the programs
expanded to meet the challenges of advancing technology, it became necessary to centralize the training activities. Thus, in 1966,
the present site in Piney Point, Maryland was acquired to house
the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship.
By bringing together highly qualified educators in the specialized field of maritime training, centralization made possible the
rapid expansion of the Center’s vocational programs. As vocational education became more advanced and specialized, the need for
academic skills to master highly technical instructional manuals
became evident. To meet that need, a reading skills program was
The PPaull H
Th
Hallll C
Center
established in 1970. The program proved to be a highly successful
complement to vocational training. Since then, the academic curriculum has experienced the same rapid growth as the vocational
program. Today, a complete high school equivalency program
(GED) is offered as well as an adult basic education program, study
skills and an English-as-a-Second-Language program.
In 1972, the Seafarers International Union recognized the need
for trained personnel aboard the tugs, towboats and barges of the
inland and coastal waterways. Again, the Center responded to this
need, and today, basic vocational training and a complete upgrading program in all licensed and unlicensed ratings are available to
America’s professional inland boatmen.
In 1978, the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
entered into a contractual agreement with Charles County Community College of Maryland. This agreement made it possible for
students to take college-level courses offered by Charles County
Community College at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of
Seamanship and earn an Associate in Arts degree. Seven years
later, the School developed its own degrees in Nautical Science
Technology and Marine Engineering Technology. These programs
received full approval from the Maryland State Board for Higher
Education in that same year.
The Center continued to expand. In 1981, the Paul Hall Library
and Maritime Museum was dedicated. Since opening, it has become one of the best sources for maritime labor research in the
United States.
In 1984, the Seafarers Training and Recreation Center was completed, adding a new conference center and 300 modern hotel style
rooms and dormitories.
In 1985, the Center undertook new programs for training crews
for Military Sealift Command-contracted ships. This program has
answered the Navy’s need for trained Seafarers to operate these
special classes of ships. Included in the courses approved by the
Military Sealift Command are damage control; material handling;
underway replenishment; cargo handling; chemical, biological and
radiological defense; marine environment awareness; and Level I
anti-terrorism/personal protection.
A multi-function bridge deep-sea and inland simulator system
was constructed in 1985. It had a full range of instructional, maritime research and developmental capabilities. The full-size, main
bridge mock-up was correlated to a 180-degree beam-to-beam field
of view as well as a 350-degree stern view. The main bridge contained appropriate bridge controls, electronic navigation equipment, collision avoidance radar and bridge-to-bridge communication equipment. Additionally, three independently maneuvered
auxiliary bridges allowed for interaction between the main bridge
and traffic vessels. This simulator would remain in place until the
turn of the century. In response to the demands for continued enhancement of maritime education, the Center added two specialized programs to the curriculum in 1991. The first was based on
the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990; an oil spill emergency containment and cleanup course was created. Secondly, an
entirely new electronics lab was set up to accommodate students
for a marine electronics technician program. This course helps prepare students who wish to sit for their FCC license exam.
In 1993, the Maryland Higher Education Commission authorized the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship college
program to change its degree award to an Associate of Applied Science degree and to a certificate program in Maritime Technology.
In the last few years, the Center has recognized the need to
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
upgrade its technology and provide opportunities for students to
learn and use computers. Additional computer equipment has been
purchased for the lab in the Thomas Crowley Education Building.
Computers have been installed in the library for student use for both
personal and instructional purposes. A computer lab is now being
used in the academic department to help teach basic language skills,
English-as-a-second-language, and a variety of vocational skills.
The Center constructed and opened the state-of-the-art Joseph
Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in 1999. This school and program have achieved national recognition for excellence. Instructors
from the school also are training crews and mariners aboard vessels throughout the world.
During the same year, seven courses in the Unlicensed Apprentice Program were recommended for credit by the American
Council on Education (ACE) to enhance the school’s offerings and
to initiate courses for credit for the Unlicensed Apprentices. In addition, the Center also received certification as an Authorized Provider of Continuing Education by the International Association for
Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This authorization
was approved again in 2005. Approval provides students with the
opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credit (CEU) for selected courses offered by the Center, both on campus or at other sites
under the Center’s auspices.
New courses are constantly being developed by the curriculum
department to ensure that all training meets the requirements of
the United States Coast Guard and the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 1995). This effort ensures that
seafarers receive the most modern and current approved courses.
A new rifle range added to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting
School now allows for weapon qualification and recertification for
maritime personnel.
In 2000, the Center installed a new, state-of-the art simulator
for shiphandling (including Global Maritime Distress and Safety
System [GMDSS], engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures). This simulator provides teaching support
in the following areas: voyage planning and execution; coastal and
offshore navigation; collision avoidance; ARPA/radar operation;
electronic navigation systems; search and rescue operations; vessel traffic management; high speed navigation; bridge watchkeeping procedures including tugs and barges, towboats and piloting;
GMDSS procedures; oil spill response management; port development; human factors; and bridge team management.
The engine department simulator provides training for engine
room watchkeeping, diesel propulsion and electrical power plants.
Additionally, the simulator includes an auxiliary system, machinery simulator, crane and liquid cargo simulation. Through the use
of the simulator, members of the Union will continue to receive
realistic training and assessments. (These facilities are now housed
in the Bob McMillan Annex, which is attached to the Lindsey William Building and the Engine Department.)
In the coming months and years the training of American merchant seamen in the handling of liquefied gas (LG) will be a growing part of the maritime industry. To prepare for this training the
Center has added a comprehensive LG program to its growing
list of simulation training. The simulator is a competency and assessment based training system, which will allow students to develop the skills necessary to load and unload a vessel with liquid
gas cargo. Students will learn and understand system alignment,
cargo pump operations, loading and discharging alignment, ballast systems, inert gas systems and the volatility of the cargo. This
5
training will provide new job opportunities for the members of the
Seafarers International Union.
During the past few years, the Center received credit recommendations from the American Council on Education for a number of courses. In 2005, twenty-four additional courses were submitted for review to the American Council on Education resulting
in the largest number of approved courses in the history of the
school. Credits were recommended in the steward, engine and
deck departments. Credits for the unlicensed apprentice program
were reaffirmed while new STCW courses were approved in the
deck, engine and general education programs. Additionally, the
final two courses in the Steward Department, Advanced Galley
Operations, and Certified Chief Steward, were awarded college
recommended credits.
To enhance the learning opportunities for mariners, the Center
opened a new, U.S. Coast Guard approved, basic safety training
school at Barber’s Point, Honolulu, Hawaii. This facility is intended as a satellite facility to train seafarers for new job opportunities
aboard U.S. flag cruise ships and to meet the increase demand for
trained mariners in Hawaii. This facility features four different,
environmentally safe burn pads which simulate various types of
marine fires: a “smoke house” for training with breathing apparatuses; a series of mazes; two classrooms and a container configured
for search-and-rescue training.
A new dormitory consisting of 100 additional single occupancy
rooms for upgraders has been constructed at the Center. Meanwhile many of the 250 hotel rooms in the Training and Recreation
Center are being renovated.
The knowledge that the Center provides is a quality education
that has been established throughout the industry. The Center remains an active participant in national and international initiatives
to improve the quality of life and training of the world’s seafarers.
Members of the staff participate in important meetings with other
maritime unions, the United States Coast Guard, and the International Maritime Organization. The school continues to seek recognition and approval of its courses through its participation with the
American Council on Education and the International Association
of Continuing Education and Training. Other maritime organizations, recognizing the quality of the programs have taken advantage of the training and facilities offered at Piney Point. Likewise
many organizations make requests to the school for instructors to
teach off-campus courses throughout the United States or at maritime ports throughout the world.
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received an upgrade in May of 2008 with the opening of the Keystone
Conference Center. This nicely equipped, state-of-the-art meeting
room is located in the Paul Hall Memorial Library.
These continuing changes and instructional improvements
demonstrate the commitment of the Center to maintain a highly
trained, current and competent work force for the maritime industry and to provide first class accommodations for seafarers.
Mission
The mission of the Center is to provide professional training to students who are just entering their maritime career and
to eligible seafarers who are employed by SIU-contracted employers who wish to improve or upgrade their seafaring skills.
Through this training, upgrading and retraining, students are
well prepared to work safely, capably and effectively aboard
6
U.S. merchant vessels.
Goals
1. To deliver vocational and academic education through programs which are uniquely flexible and well suited to the lifestyles of seafarers.
2. To instill in seafarers a pride in their occupation, a professionalism
in their job performance and a desire to continually improve their
maritime skills and vocational and academic educational levels.
3. To provide the deep sea and inland waterways maritime industry
with skilled, knowledgeable and responsible seafarers.
4. To give full and complete effect to the new training and assessment requirements of the amended Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 1995) Convention.
5. To provide students with both the theoretical background and
practical application of job skills necessary for work aboard today’s merchant vessels.
6. To provide the vocational and academic education, skills and
knowledge base that are an essential foundation for the modern
technical skills required in today’s water transportation industry.
7. To make available opportunities for seafarers to complete the GED
program at the high school level or complete a Certificate in Maritime Technology or a two-year college program in an Associate of
Applied Science degree (Nautical Science or Marine Engineering
Technology).
Training
The training of men and women for jobs on privately owned,
American-flagged ships and boats takes place through two vocational education programs offered at the Center: the Unlicensed
Apprentice Program, for those starting out in the maritime field;
and the Upgrading Program, for those who have sailed and wish
to increase and upgrade their training and job skills.
Veterans Program
The Center offers courses to qualifying Deck ratings from
the Armed Forces within a United States Coast Guard approved program. A veteran must submit his or her Personnel Qualifications Standards (PQS) or (Pars) as a helmsman
and lookout or hold a rating that includes these minimum
requirements, as well as USCG required sea service documentation, which will be submitted to the USCG for approval prior to entering the program. This information must be
submitted to the Veterans Program Office at the Center. The
Deck Department Veterans Program includes courses in Lifeboatman, Able Seaman, STCW Basic Safety Training, CBRD,
Damage Control and Environmental Awareness. Successful
completion of the Deck Veterans Program awards a USCG
Endorsement as Able Seaman and STCW Certification as a
Rating forming part of the navigational watch.
This program is eligible for VA benefits.
The Center offers courses to qualifying Engine ratings
from the Armed Forces within a United States Coast Guard
The Paul Hall Center
approved program. A Veteran may submit his or her Personal
Qualifications Standards (PQS) or (PARS) as a watchstander
in the engine rooms of steam, diesel or gas turbine propulsion systems. USCG required sea service must be submitted
for transmittal to the USCG for approval to enter the program.
This information should be submitted through the Veterans
Program Office at the Center. The Engine Department Veterans Program includes Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations, Oiler,
Fireman Watertender, STCW Basic Safety Training, CBRD,
Damage Control and Environmental Awareness. Successful
completion of the Engine Veterans Program awards a USCG
Endorsement as QMED FOWT and STCW Certification as a
Rating forming part of the engine room watch.
This program is eligible for VA benefits.
Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping (STCW 1995) Convention, as
Amended in 1995
In February 2002, the Amendments to the Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW 1995) were
fully implemented. However, beginning in February 1997, a
transition period began which implemented these new maritime regulations. These rules and regulations adhered to by
the United States and 119 other nations, have a direct effect on
the training and upgrading of seafarers. The STCW sets qualifications for masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on
seagoing merchant ships. These regulations are enforced in the
United States by the Coast Guard. Merchant ships and smaller
U.S. documented commercial vessels that operate on oceans or
near coastal voyages also are subject to the provisions of the
STCW.
The Amendments to the STCW are comprehensive and detailed. They concern port-state control, communication of information to the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
to allow for mutual oversight, and responsibilities of all parties to ensure that seafarers meet objective standards of competence. They also require candidates for certificates (licenses
and document endorsements) to establish competence through
both subject-area examinations and practical demonstration of
skills. Training, assessment and certification of competence are
managed within a quality standard system to ensure that stated
objectives are being achieved.
All seafarers employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a
seagoing ship, on the business of that ship as part of the ship’s
complement with designated safety or pollution-prevention
duties in the operation of the ship, must provide evidence of
having achieved or retrained, within the previous five years,
the required standard of competency in personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid
and personal safety and social responsibility before they are assigned any shipboard duty. These standards are taught in the
Basic Safety Courses.
For the Center, this has meant that courses have had to be revised, new outcomes and objectives written, and that a method
of practical assessment had to be developed. Instructors must
meet new requirements, and assessors must be trained to be
examiners in order to assess the competence and skills of individual seafarers. As the name indicates, this international treaty
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
impacts both the content of training received by merchant mariners and the methods by which such courses are made available. During the past few years, the School has restructured its
course to comply with the provisions of the STCW.
At the same time, the Center has initiated procedures to assist mariners to maintain their licenses, certificates of endorsement and to comply with these new provisions. A Training
Record Book (TRB) was issued to members beginning in the
winter of 1997. All of the courses required for STCW endorsement after January 31, 1997 have been approved. These courses
include those required by the STCW Convention as well as personal survival techniques, elementary first aid, fire prevention
and fire fighting, and personal safety and social responsibility.
As courses have been approved, seafarers have received the
STCW endorsements or certifications qualifying them to sail
under this treaty.
The Center and all of its schools have embraced the competency-based training and demonstration of proficiency philosophy contained in the STCW. While at the Center, students are
informed of the latest STCW requirements.
Training Record Book
The Center, together with various SIU contracted shipping
companies developed a Training Record Book (TRB) in 1997.
Today, both the deep sea and most of the inland industry have
the Training Record Book. This important document records
all training completed by seafarers.
Under international regulations, seafarers traveling in international waters must provide evidence of meeting international training requirements. Soon these regulations will
also affect those sailing exclusively in U.S. waters. The TRB
records information regarding the course work taken at the
Center, at sea or at other training sites. The Admissions Office
at the Center is the repository for maintaining and recording
all information in a TRB. Although some training or assessments will be provided aboard vessels, the certificates, attendance sheets or letters proving successful completion of any
course must be sent to the Admissions Office at the Center.
There, information is maintained and available on an electronic database.
The amended 1995 STCW Convention requires personnel seeking a license (deck or engine) to possess an approved
training record book. Therefore, SIU able-bodied seamen
(AB’s), fireman, watertenders and oilers (FOWT’s) and qualified members of the engine department (QMED’s) will have
the required documentary evidence to present to the Coast
Guard when they enroll in the approved programs. All other
mariners will have a record of training to show that various
training requirements have been met.
The TRB is an important document which assists mariners
in keeping an accurate record of their training, competencies
and skills. Members should contact the Admissions Office
(admissions@seafarers.org) at the Center regarding the procedures for securing a TRB, or to seek clarification regarding the
purpose or intent of the book.
7
Paul Hall Center
for Maritime Training and Education
Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School
Thomas B. Crowley, Sr., Education Center
Lindsay Williams Building/
Bob McMillan Simulator Center
Chesapeake Culinary Institute
Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum
10#PY3PVUFt4U(FPSHFT"WFt1JOFZ1PJOU.BSZMBOEt
For additional information, visit our web site at www.seafarers.org. Admission - www.admissions@seafarers.org
The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and,Education is an equal opportunity educational institution.
8
The Paul Hall Center
THE PAUL HALL CENTER FACILITIES
The Center is located in Piney Point, St. Mary’s County, Maryland. The campus consists of more than 60 acres on
the waterfront of St. George’s Creek. The facility includes the Al Kerr Administrative Offices; the Paul Hall Library
and Maritime Museum; and the Seafarers Training and Recreation Center, which houses residents’ living quarters,
dining halls and the Sea Chest, as well as recreational, health care and laundry facilities. Vocational and industrial
relations classes are taught in the Charles Logan, Lindsey Williams and Paul Drozak buildings. The Academic Department located in the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Higher Education Center, (within the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum), includes the computer lab, adult education and college program classrooms and offices. The Romeo
Lupinacci Steward Galley lab building includes classrooms, galley labs for hands-on training and culinary demonstration lecture hall. The deep sea and inland multi-function bridge simulator system is located in the Lindsey
Williams Simulator Building and the Bob McMillan Annex. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and
the weapon range are located on property adjacent to the Center.
Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School
In 1999, the Center opened a fire fighting and safety
training school. This school, located on property adjacent
to the Center, features state-of-the-art training aids for
teaching basic and advanced fire fighting, damage control,
confined spaces, and helo-fire fighting. Included in the
school are a mock-up of an engine room, a bilge fire, and
an intricate maze that resembles those found on board
many merchant vessels. Located in the instructional building, the swimming pool allows for water survival training
and testing.
A new weapons range has now been located on the site
and allows for training of merchant mariners in the use
of a rifle, shotgun and pistol. This training will prepare
American Seafarers in security training aboard American
Vessels. This training site has greatly enhanced the realistic
training offered at the Center and is a great asset to the
training of merchant seamen.
the radar simulator utilizes the latest available technology
and represents a commitment to provide the highest quality of training that today’s technology allows. The Center
gratefully acknowledges the support and generosity of
the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for
assisting in this development.
The radar simulator consists of four separate stations,
each supplied with one traditional reflection plotter radar
and one automatic electronic plotting radar. The radars are
interfaced with a ship control unit. These units allow for
realistic, real time scenarios in ship handling and collision
control.
Recognizing the importance of simulation in training,
the Center has installed, in the Bob McMillan Annex, the
latest marine simulation equipment available. This equipment includes a full mission bridge, 360 degree field of vision, which incorporates an 8-channel visual system with
new projectors and bridge hardware that is integrated
with the Radar/ARPA equipment.
For engineering, a diesel propulsion and electrical
plant console fully integrated with the bridge is available.
Also included are simulation for steam and gas turbine
propulsion plants, a liquid cargo loading simulator for
tanker-man instruction and a crane simulator program.
All of these simulation programs are interactive training
aids that provide the latest technology necessary to meet
the competency requirements for the demonstration of
skills set forth by the Standards of Training, Certification
and Watchkeeping (STCW 1995). They provide a new and
exciting method for training merchant seaman through
hands on experience and training.
Radar/ARPA Simulator
The bridge and radar simulator facilities are located
in the Lindsey Williams Building and the Bob McMillan
Annex. The installation of the new equipment began in
the fall of 1998 and has continued through the past few
years. This equipment is used for Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) and radar training as approved by the
USCG National Maritime Center. This newest upgrade of
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
9
Library
The Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum offers
a wide range of services. Printed materials include more
than 17,000 volumes on maritime and labor history and
reference material to support the vocational and academic
courses offered at the School. The library subscribes to
a variety of periodicals, many of which provide current
information about the maritime industry. The museum
collection displays ship models, historic nautical instruments and union memorabilia.
Education Technology
The Education Technology Department, located in the
Library, is a multimedia production facility. Here, the Paul
Hall Center staff designs and distributes audio-visual
programs. The media center provides access to more than
1700 educational and entertainment programs via individual workstations and a 70 seat theater. The department
also provides meeting support through the state of the art
Keystone Conference Center.
The Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Education Center
The academic department, located in the Paul Hall
Library and Maritime Museum, provides individualized
assistance to improve reading skills, comprehension, vocabulary, mathematics, study skills, GED preparation and
technical reading. The academic department provides
assistance to upgraders enrolled in vocational courses. It
also serves as the higher education center for pre-college
courses and the Associate of Applied Science degree
programs.
Computer Lab
The academic department maintains and staffs a
computer lab which contains Windows compatible PC’s.
Various programs and tutorials are available for student
and instructor use. These include computer basics, word
processing, spreadsheets, typing, Coast Guard material,
Morse Code, rules of the road and vocational
study guides designed for SHLSS vocational
courses. A lab instructor is available to provide
assistance to students. Seafarers may schedule
computer classes through the admissions office.
Certificates are awarded for successfully completing the computer basics and word processing
courses.
Recreation
Recreational facilities are available to students during
their free time. Sailing, swimming, basketball, baseball,
volleyball, pool, tennis, arts and crafts and fishing are
some of the possible activities. Color TV, video and audiotapes are provided for students’ use.
Health Spa
The Health Spa is a modern facility equipped with
Nautilus, free weights and universal machines. The
programs are designed to meet the needs of students of
all ages. The spa also is equipped with aerobic machines,
sauna and an outdoor Swimming pool. Two tennis courts
are available on the School grounds.
Arts and Crafts
The Arts and Crafts Shop is a recreational and educational facility. A fully equipped shop with a professional
instructor is maintained for the purpose of training in
the areas of silversmithing, woodworking, stained glass,
woodcarving, leather, painting, drawing, model boat
building, scrimshaw and enameling as well as other creative outlets. Lectures and discussions are conducted with
emphasis on planning for leisure time activities aboard
ship.
Sea Chest
The Sea Chest shop is open to students for the purchase
of personal items, clothing, snacks and souvenirs.
Laundry
Laundry services are available to all trainees free of
charge. Coin-operated washers and dryers are available
for upgraders and guests in the east wing of the second
and third floors.
Health Care
Health care facilities are available at the
Center. They consist of a dispensary staffed by a
qualified medical doctor and a registered nurse.
Health care services are available through the dispensary five days a week, and emergency medical
care is available at all times at a nearby hospital,
medical facilities or urgent care center.
10
The Paul Hall Center
SEAFARERS TRAINING AND RECREATION CENTER (TRC)
The Seafarers Training & Recreation Center houses all the entry-level trainees and upgraders. It has a large
auditorium, five conference rooms, formal and informal dining areas, a health spa, an outdoor Olympic-sized
swimming pool, Mooney’s Pub and many recreational areas.
Rules & Regulations for School of Seamanship Training
and Recreation Center (TRC)
1. Students may be assigned two to a room.
2. Visitors of the opposite sex are not permitted in a student’s room.
3. Spouses and dependents are permitted to live with a student during the time they are completing an upgrading course. Proof of marriage is required, and the student is responsible for the conduct of his or her
dependent(s). There is a limit of five persons to a room. Additional rooms may be available at a special
rate to accommodate larger families. There will be no charge for dependents while a student is attending
classes.
4. Collect, pre-paid phone cards or credit card calls may be made from the student’s room by dialing the
Operator. Local phone numbers are accessible from the rooms. The TRC lobby has pay phones for local,
third-party or credit card calls. The telephone switchboard will give wake-up calls if the student leaves
the name, number and time that he or she wishes to be called.
5. An ATM machine is available in the main lobby
6. All television, radio and stereo equipment is to be kept at a normal volume until 2200 hours and should
be turned down after that time.
7. There is a health spa located in TRC. The hours of operation are posted at the health spa registration
desk. Please check at the desk for all other Center facilities’ hours.
8. The Center accepts NO responsibility or liability for valuables unless they are checked into the safe
deposit box at the purser’s office when the student arrives.
9. The Center accepts NO responsibility or liability for any personal injury to the students or dependents.
10. As soon as a course is completed, students must report to the TRC front desk to check out. Individuals
are held responsible for any damages or loss of items caused by themselves, their guests or their dependents to the assigned room or damage in any of the public areas.
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
11
General Information
Academic Calendar
ACE Recommendations
The beginning and ending dates for each course and program are published monthly in the Seafarers LOG, which is
sent to every SIU member, SIU hall, SIU-contracted vessels
and other interested parties.
Many of the vocational courses offered at the Center have
been evaluated, or reevaluated, by the American Council
on Education (ACE), an independent commission based in
Washington, D.C. ACE evaluates post-secondary courses
given by business, industry, the military, labor unions, the
government and religious groups. Upon approval, ACE
recommends college credit for such courses.
All course credits are computed on a semester-hour
credit system with a typical course meeting for fifteen (15),
fifty (50) minute classroom sessions to equal one (1) credit.
Laboratory credit hours are computed based on thirty (30),
fifty-(50) minute sessions equaling one (1) credit. ACE will
periodically re-evaluate courses for credit; therefore, specific credit count may vary as to the date a course was taken.
Students must consult the National Guide to Educational
Credit for Training Programs published by the American
Council on Education to determine the recommended credits assigned. The Center’s catalog specifies the most recently approved credit count.
Students wishing to transfer vocational credits to another community college or four-year college must consult
with a counselor at the receiving school. Each school reserves the right to determine the courses and credits which
may be transferred. However, more and more schools are
accepting ACE educational credits for training programs.
Class Schedule
Each student, regardless of the program being pursued,
must attend classes eight hours each day, Monday through
Friday, except holidays. Students who are ill must see the
School’s nurse to be excused from class. Occasional field
trips and special events are scheduled during the normal
class day.
Holidays
The legal holidays observed by the Center include: New
Year’s Day, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, Presidents’ Day,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Labor
Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Counseling Service
Counseling services are available to all trainees and upgraders to help them meet their interpersonal and personal
needs.
Religious Services
Transportation is provided to all students who wish to
attend religious services.
Veteran Benefits
The Center is approved as an institution qualified and
equipped to provide educational opportunities to eligible
veterans. VA applications may be completed at the time of
enrollment in any educational program.
Credits
College credits are awarded for many of the courses offered at the School. The number of credits is listed next to
each course title, where applicable. Credits are awarded
in accordance with requirements of the Maryland Higher
Education Commission and/or the American Council on
Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service. One
credit is the equivalent of 15 hours of classroom instruction or lecture, 30 hours of laboratory work or 45 hours of
on-the-job training. Continuing Education Credits will be
offered for courses which meet the requirements of the International Association of Continuing Education and Training. These credits will substantiate the training and education taught at the Center. One unit of continuing education
credit is offered for each 10 hours of instruction.
12
IACET- Continuing Education Credits
In 1999 and 2005 the Center was authorized to issue
Continuing Education Credits through the International
Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This process allows the School to offer continuing education credits for class work taught under the auspices of
the Center. Students wishing to document their vocational
training may request credit through the academic department. A Continuing Education Certificate will be awarded
for those courses which qualify for credit.
Department of Labor Apprentice Program
The Center joined with the U.S Department of Labor
in the development of an apprentice program for training
young men and women for the maritime industry in 2003.
This program includes apprentice training for the occupations of Able Seaman, Fireman, Oiler and Watertender, and
Chief Cook; thereby covering all three trades within the
Union. The apprentice program ranges from 2760 to 4000
hours of on-the-job training supplemented by instruction
in the classroom. The apprentice program is a competency
based training program that meets the U.S. Coast Guard
Certification requirements.
This apprentice program created by the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Department of Labor and the SIU advances
the shared goal of increasing the number of highly trained
skilled American Seamen.
The Paul Hall Center
Permanent Record Information Policy
The Center maintains a personal file and permanent
record card for each student who attends classes. All students have the right to inspect their academic records and
to challenge any documentation which they believe to be
inaccurate or misleading. Academic records are the private
property of the student and, therefore, cannot be released
without the student’s written authorization. Students who
wish to have their transcripts forwarded to other colleges
or prospective employers must complete a written release
form. The following is a list of the types of educational records maintained by the School:
Type of Records
Location
Office Responsible Official
Admission Application
Admissions
Admissions Office
Disciplinary
Admissions
Registrar
Admissions Office
Permanent Academic
Diagnostic Tests
GED Test Scores
Placement Tests
General Education
Veterans
Academic
Academic
Academic
Academic
Academic
Vocational
Director of Education
Director of Education
Director of Education
Director of Education
Director of Education
Director of Education
The School does not release general information, public
or directory information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, dates of attendance and class standings
without written permission from the student.
Grading Policy
The grading policy at the Center is based on the conventional letter grade and pass-fail systems used in public
and private schools. In addition to receiving letter grades
based on class work, quizzes and tests, students also are
evaluated on practical job factors and conduct. Students’
progress is determined by their ability to perform basic
skills according to stated objectives and to develop proper
work habits and cooperative attitudes toward their peers.
The instructors monitor, observe and evaluate the students
on a daily basis and recommend, at the end of each course,
whether a student continues or discontinues the program.
These evaluations are reviewed by the students for content
and accuracy of information. If a student does not complete
all the requirements of a course, he/she must make up that
work before receiving a passing grade; only then can a student continue in the training program.
Certification and Licensing
For upgraders, the passing of the U.S. Coast Guard examination for a Coast Guard endorsement in their subject
area marks the completion of their training program. Authorized U.S. Coast Guard examiners administer these examinations. Upgraders in the special and non-endorsement
programs complete their programs when they have met the
requirements established by the Center and/or passed the
school-administered certification examination. Certificates
of achievement are awarded to all students who successfully complete a course of instruction at the Center.
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
90 - 100% SUPERIOR WORK
80 - 89% ABOVE AVERAGE
70 - 79% AVERAGE WORK
69 - BELOW UNACCEPTABLE
Some courses may require a higher passing grade.
Students’ grades are determined by their performance
on tests, papers, assignments, laboratory and/or on-the-job
training experiences. The grading scale for most vocational
courses is a percentage system.
Academic Honesty
Students must abide by a code of honesty and understand how important it is. This code is designed to protect
all students and give greater value to their educational
achievements. The spirit of integrity and honesty are personal assets and essential to a rewarding life.
While at the Center, students are required to do their
own work. Any assistance from another student or the use
of unauthorized aids on quizzes and tests is grounds for
dismissal from the School. Every student writing a paper
should be aware of the following principles to prevent plagiarism:
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quotation marks or indentations and the sources
given; and
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should summarize the material in his/her own words
and cite the source.
Upgraders’ Review Board
The Center has established an Upgrader Review Board
to provide seafarers with academic counseling when they
are not meeting the minimum requirements for the course
in which they may be enrolled. The review board is a nondisciplinary committee that will ensure the student is advised of adult basic education, English-as-a-Second-Language, remedial assistance, basic vocational support, peer
tutoring and any other vocational or academic program
that will provide the instructional tools needed to succeed.
Records and recommendations of the board will be recorded and a copy of the original given to the seafarer. The
recommendations of the board are guidance to the seafarer
based on an overall evaluation of the training received. The
seafarer may elect not to use the services recommended by
the board. When the seafarer elects not to adhere to the recommendations, he or she will indicate refusal of services by
signature on the Upgraders Review Board Form.
13
Vocational Education
Building Skills for the Future
Vocational education is the key to success in the maritime career path. Seafarers of the past taught vocational
skills at sea, a slow process of showing youngsters how
they learned by hard knocks.
Today the Center teaches specialized skills for jobs in
the deck, engine and steward departments. The curricula
are constantly updated to keep abreast of changing maritime technology. Clearly, today’s modern automated vessel,
which costs millions of dollars, cannot be entrusted to an
unskilled, non-professional. Seamanship is a profession for
the well trained.
Professional training begins with basic or entry-level
vocational education programs. The Unlicensed Apprentice Program provides the work ethic and skills necessary
for people to perform their assigned duties aboard SIU-contracted ships, tugs and towboats. The upgrading programs
provide experienced seafarers, who have the necessary required sea-time, the opportunity to advance their professional skills, keep pace with changes in the maritime industry and increase their earning potential.
The course offerings in the upgrading programs include
unlicensed and licensed ratings in the deck and engine
department to build professional competence in the most
highly skilled seafarers in the world. Students receive job
placement through the union hiring halls located at the
Center or through the other union hiring halls listed on
page 96. Admissions to the Center, however, does not guarantee placement in a particular position.
Unlicensed Apprentice Program
The Center is the largest training facility for entry-level
seafarers and boatmen in the United States. The purpose of
the Unlicensed Apprentice Program is to train, guide and
encourage men and women to make careers for themselves
on the world’s oceans or on America’s network of coastal
and inland waterways.
The Unlicensed Apprentice Program is recommended
for individuals who wish to seek employment through
the hiring halls affiliated with the Seafarers International
Union. The Center’s philosophy is that every new person
coming into the maritime industry needs certain basic skills
and knowledge before he or she embarks on more specific
career training in one of the three departments: deck, engine or steward.
The Unlicensed Apprentice Program consists of three
phases of instruction: (1) a twelve-week vocational curriculum focusing on maritime organization, basic seamanship, emergency action and social responsibility; (2) twelve
weeks of shipboard training focusing on ship operations
and maintenance. The student serves in each of the different departments and maintains a journal of his/her activities; and (3) specialized department-specific training based
on the department choice of the Unlicensed Apprentice.
Successful completion of the program qualifies the student
to ship as an ordinary sea-man, wiper or steward assistant.
Each student is required to attend classes a minimum
14
of eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Occasional
evening and Saturday classes will be conducted. All student activities closely correspond to the working shipboard
environment.
If a student does not have a high school diploma or
GED, the ability of that student to benefit from the program
is determined by scores earned on a standardized test.
The Unlicensed Apprentice Program is conducted in a
quasi-military environment. Students are required to wear
uniforms, adhere to military-style grooming standards, live
in group dormitories and march to and from class. Students
are not permitted to have cars or leave the campus. This
environment serves to develop a strong sense of teamwork
and discipline necessary to work aboard ship. Emphasis is
placed on the academic-vocational programs and the completion of all Coast Guard requirements.
Students must attend all classes unless excused by the
commandant. Students must successfully complete all
modules of the program and meet the necessary STCW requirements. Failure in any module could result in a referral
to the review board. Should a student fail two modules, the
review board may consider dismissing the student from the
Unlicensed Apprentice Program.
Apprentices are expected to obey all rules and regulations on standards of dress and conduct. Each student
reads and signs a copy of the rules and regulations as part
of his or her application kit. Any infraction of School rules
and regulations is cause for disciplinary action. This is addressed through the Apprentice Review Board. The Apprentice Review Board is comprised of a union representative, director of education or designee, two staff members,
chief boatswain and student council president. The review
board can take action ranging from dismissal of charges to
dropping the individual from training.
Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Students must fulfill the following requirements in
order to be accepted into the Unlicensed Apprentice Program. All applicants must:
1. Be able to comply with the physical fitness standards
for merchant mariners, as determined by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan;
2. Be at least eighteen years of age;
3. Be able to meet all U.S. Coast Guard-established
criteria for the issuance of a Merchant Mariner’s Document as well as any other U.S. government requirements for merchant mariners;
4. Pass a drug screening; and
5. Not be on any form of court-ordered probation or
parole.
6. Certified to be in good oral health by a qualified
dentist.
Applications through the SIU port agents are accepted
at various times throughout the year. Applications are reThe Paul Hall Center
viewed, checked and evaluated by the admissions office.
The applicant is then notified of the results.
If an applicant is accepted, he/she will be notified of the
starting date of the training program.
Persons with previous military service may wish to contact the Center and discuss admission requirements. Additional information regarding the Unlicensed Apprentice
Program may be obtained by writing to the admissions office or by calling toll-free 1-(877) 235 3275.
Additional information regarding the Unlicensed
Apprentice Program may be obtained by writing to the
admissions office, calling toll-free 1- (877) 235-3275 or
www.seafarers.org.
Coast Guard and Uniform Fees
The only costs to a student entering the Unlicensed Apprentice Program are the cost of clothing and the fees to
obtain all necessary merchant mariners’ documentation.
Contact the Admissions office for current information regarding the amount of these fees. Upon entering the program, students are issued a complete set of regulation work
clothes. Uniforms become the property of the student and
may not be returned to the school.
Apprentices are responsible for their transportation
costs to and from the Center.
Note: There is no tuition connected with attending the
Unlicensed Apprentice Program.
Bill of Student Rights
mitigation during the hearing.
8. A student has the right to remain silent when charged
with an offense or regulation violation that requires
review board action until the case is presented before
the review board. The student is only required to sign
a statement acknowledging his/her awareness of the
charges. Self-incrimination is not required.
9. A student has the right and must be present when
his/her locker or personal property is being searched
for suspected possession of an item considered to be
illegal as defined under the Unlicensed Apprentice
regulations. Officials from the Center will conduct the
search in the presence of a boatswain and an impartial
witness. The witness should not be another boatswain
or student authority. The commandant of trainees
may authorize one of the trainee monitors to act on
his/her behalf.
Student Council
The student council plays an important role among entry-level students in the Unlicensed Apprentice Program.
The goal of the student council is to maintain class spirit,
involvement and high morale.
The student council president is responsible for organizing sports events, recreational tournaments and constructive competition among the student population. The council
encourages communication between students and administration. Through the student council, the unlicensed apprentice learns teamwork and cooperation.
1. The Center guarantees to each student their rights to
free inquiry and expression or assembly, subject only
to the requirements governing the use of grounds and
facilities.
2. Each student should be free to pursue his/her educational goals at the Center because it maintains appropriate opportunities and conditions for learning in the
classroom and during on-the-job training.
3. In the classroom, students have the right to express
views pertinent to the subject matter. The instructors
shall have authority over conduct in the classroom
and judge subject matter relevancy
4. Each student shall have the right to expect and receive
unprejudiced evaluations of his/her academic and vocational performances.
5. Instructors, counselors and administrative staff who,
in the course of their work acquire detailed personal
information in confidence from their students, shall
consider all such information to be strictly confidential. This information shall not be disclosed unless legally compelled to do so.
6. The Center guarantees that no official, administrator
or faculty member shall transmit grades, records or
transcripts of any kind to any person not affiliated
with the Center, without an authorized written request or permission from the student concerned.
7. A student who feels he/she has been given extra duty
or demerits unfairly or an excessive amount of either,
and has witnesses to prove it, shall present the facts to
the review board for consideration in extenuation or
2008 / 2009 Course Catalog
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Unlicensed Apprentice Courses
Phase I
FSM 101- Shipboard Sanitation
FSM 103-Galley Familiarization
HTS 102-Basic Fire Fighting
HTS 103-First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
IR 101-Industrial Relations
MST 102-Water Survival
NST 101-Vessel Familiarization
NST 105-Vessel Maintenance and Operations
PED 101-Physical Education
SOC 099-Social Responsibilities
Phase II
In Phase II the unlicensed apprentices spend 12 weeks aboard a vessel contracted with
the SIU. During these weeks at sea, the students spend four weeks in each department
(deck, engine, and steward). This experience provides hand-on learning of the skills and
knowledge studies during the first phase of training.
Students must complete a sea project involving information from each department
aboard the ship. The sea voyage provides the students with the opportunity to determine
their personal interest and the area of specialization when they return to study at the
Center.
Phase III
Phase III begins with the upgrading of skills in a specific field of study. First students
begin their training with Tanker Familiarization and Government Vessels, followed by their
specialty courses in either Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman, Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations, or the Unlicensed Steward Program. Upon completion of this phase of training, the
unlicensed apprentice will return to sea for an additional 120 days of sea time. The sea voyage provides the students with specialization when they return to study at the Center.
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The Paul Hall Center