Workboat (500/1600 GRT) Maritime Apprenticeship Program

Campus Location: MITAGS-West (Seattle, Washington)

Partner Company Providing Onboard Training: Various Partner Companies.

Program Start Date: March 2026

License Pathway: 500ton or 1600ton Ocean Mate – Tonnage dependent on Partner Company.

Tuition Cost: $45,000 for 2025

    • Total cost over two years split into 6 payments
    • Does not include lodging

The MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) is approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to allow eligible veterans and their dependents to use VA education benefits towards their tuition. Learn more


Wages: Dependent on Partner Company.

Frequently Asked Questions: Review an outline of the program here.

 
Overview

MITAGS is looking for passionate, motivated individuals who have interest in training and working on oceangoing tugboats operating along the Pacific Coast. Our curriculum alternates academic and at-sea phases, which makes for greater retention of the material. The MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program is competitive, but for the right candidates, provides a unique and rewarding pathway. Partnering with leading maritime companies, they individuals ready for the physical demands, long hours, and challenging conditions aboard vessels. Most importantly, they value candidates with strong long-term employment potential.

 
Participating Companies

Companies currently hosting apprentices are Centerline Logistics, Foss Maritime, and Western Towboat.

 
Candidate Requirements

Requirements for full admission to all of MAP’s Mate Training Programs are:

    • Minimum age of 19
    • High School diploma, , GED or HiSET (Transcripts may be substituted if they confirm graduation.)
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship (US Coast Guard requirement for licensed credentials)
    • Obtain TWIC, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), and USCG Medical Certificate
    • Ability to pass the Partner Company’s Physical Exam, when applicable
    • Ability to enter Canada
Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 MITAGS Workboat Mate Maritime Apprentice Program. To apply for the program, you must submit the following:

    • Professional Resume
    • Letter of Reference
    • Letter of Interest
    • A completed and passed math exam – You can email and indicate you have passed the exam, MITAGS will verify.
  • A professional reference can be from any of the following, but is not limited to, a recent employer, coworkers, community leaders, volunteer supervisors, school advisors, teachers/professors.
  • Letter of Interest is your introduction to MITAGS and the partner companies. While not all inclusive, some topics to consider for your introduction include:
      • Why are you interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry particularly the towing industry?
      • What strengths or skills will you bring to the towing industry?
      • How well do you work in a team?
      • How do you manage stress and long periods away from home?
  • Access to the math exam is open now. You will need to create a user account on the linked website. You will need to verify your account; check your spam/junk inbox if you don’t get the verification. After verifying your email, you can then sign up for the course. You will need the enrollment code below to take the exam. An explanation of this requirement can be viewed here. There is a workbook available on the site that covers the types of questions you will experience on the exam. Please go through the workbook before attempting the exams. You will have a total of two chances to complete and pass the math exam. Attempts to pass the math exam can be spread out to allow applicants to seek help before attempting again, if necessary.

Math Test (themaritimeacademy.com)
Math Exam Enrollment Code: MarinerMath

 

Steps After Applying

If not already started, apply for the following:

  • Transportation Worker’s Identification Card (TWIC)
  • USCG Issued Merchant Mariner Credential
  • USCG Issued Medical Certificate – ensure you complete form 719K including Section VIII, Food Handing Certificate.  (Do not use the entry level form 719KE)

***the USCG issued medical certificate or a completed 719K must be provided to have your application be presented to any partner companies***

 
Information Sessions
  • After submitting a complete application, a MAP representative will reach out to schedule an information session. The MAP information session provides an opportunity for us to get to know you better and for applicants learn more about the program.

WORKBOAT

Maritime Apprenticeship Program