Start a Career at Sea — Maritime Training for Beginners and Professionals

MITAGS trains new and experienced mariners for careers in shipping, offshore energy, towing, and passenger vessels through hands-on simulation and U.S. Coast Guard-approved programs

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    Choose Your Pathway

    NEW TO MARITIME?

    Start with our Maritime Apprenticeship Program and earn your first officer license while gaining paid sea experience.

    Start Your Maritime Career

    ALREADY SAILING?

    Upgrade your license through advanced officer and management-level training programs.

    Find a Course

    TRAINING FOR YOUR COMPANY?

    MITAGS delivers customized simulation-based training and safety programs for maritime operators worldwide.

    View Simulator Capabilities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I become a Merchant Mariner?

    To become a professional merchant mariner, you  need a credential from the United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center.  Learn more and apply at https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_mariner_credential/.

    How do I get my STCW?

    Most people use the term “STCW” to refer to the Basic Training course required to serve aboard a seagoing vessel in a position with designated safey or emergency response duties.  MITAGS offers this five-day course on a regular basis at both our East and West Coast Campuses.  You may search this course and available dates on our website at: https://www.mitags.org/course/basic-training/ .

    I am a new MMP Offshore applicant – what training benefits do I have at MITAGS?

    MMP Offshore applicants and members who have sailed at least 30 days on board a MMP vessel may use up to four weeks of training and room/board at MITAGS within 6 months following their last date of discharge. One round trip transportation reimbursement may also be provided per eligibility period, depending on the policies of the MMP company with whom the applicant/member last sailed.

    I am new to the industry – do you have entry-level training programs?

    Our Maritime Apprenticeship Program is designed for entry-level mariners who have limited-to-no maritime experience. View more information by. View more information about the program here: https://maritimeapprenticeship.org.

    Do you accept the use of the GI Bill® for your courses/ programs?

    We do accept the use of the GI Bill® for our comprehensive training programs, according to our VA approval. MITAGS West Coast Campus, in particular, can also certify individual courses.  For more information on obtaining VA approval for our training programs, please contact our Student Services Manager, Jenny Pitzen, at [email protected] or 206-739-0720.

     

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

    View Full List of FAQs Here

    Testimonials

    Moussa Dabo

    Chief Pilot

    "MITAGS' Chief Mate Master Program focused on the essential materials and practical knowledge needed to succeed and advance my career. Your experienced instructors are valuable resources, as they all had a long careers at sea prior to being in the classroom. Sharing their experiences and other case studies with us was truly insightful and helped with my success."

    Christopher Aiello

    APL Maritime, Ltd.

    "Jerry Hasselbach, David and Olav were great instructors. Jerry, especially. He stuck by me when I did not pass the course previously and made me go out and get better – and I did. To pass the course now has been great, and I will forever be grateful and learn from this experience.”

    Elizabeth Kretovic

    Mid-Atlantic Marine Affairs Manager, Ørsted Offshore North America

    "As a developer, stakeholder engagement is paramount to the successful development of projects. MITAGS has made our vision a reality through its navigation simulator, which allows the user to conceptualize the magnitude and layout of the wind farm resulting in a clearer understanding of the project rather than simply looking over charts and drawings on paper...MITAGS’ innovation in developing both simulated wind farms and realistic vessel models will significantly contribute to navigation safety and familiarity as the new industry is making its way into the U.S. market." Read the full recommendation letter here.