MITAGS COVID-19 Resources & FAQs

MITAGS’ East and West Coast Campuses have reopened for training and simulation projects/activities.  

Please click the appropriate link below to read the latest policy documents for each campus.

Students, staff, and guests are required to read and acknowledge these documents prior to arriving at the campus.

MITAGS East & MCC COVID-19 Policy

MITAGS West COVID-19 Policy

MITAGS continues to enhance and modify COVID-19 protocols to keep our staff and students safe. These protocols are fluid and are expected to change as local restrictions are lifted or expanded. Please check back frequently.

For additional details regarding our protocols on the East Coast, especially as it pertains to our accommodations and dining, please visit MCC’s COVID-19 Resource Center.

Yes, our MITAGS East onsite hotel opened with the school on May 30, 2020. For additional details regarding our COVID-19 protocols relating to accommodations and dining, please visit the Maritime Conference Center COVID-19 Resource Center.

If you need additional assistance, contact us here.

The MITAGS-MCC shuttle at our East Coast Campus is now back in operation (as of 2/22/22), but with limited hours. The number to call for shuttle pick-up is 410-859-5700 ext. 0.

Current shuttle hours: Fridays 2PM-6PM, Saturdays 6AM-2PM, and Sundays 7AM-8PM.

If you are flying into BWI or traveling by train to the BWI Amtrak Station when our shuttle is not in operation, please take a taxi, Uber or Lyft.

Shuttle service typically provided at our West Coast Campus remains suspended until further notice.

For those needing lodging in Seattle, we have negotiated exceptionally low prices for our students, although none of our hotel partners are currently offering shuttle service. 

Please check out our Seattle Accommodations page for additional options.

If you need additional assistance, contact us here.

MITAGS-EAST and MCC
Anne Arundel County’s indoor mask mandate expired on Monday, January 31, 2022, and the CDC recently updated their masking guidelines on February 25, 2022. As of March 1, 2022, if you are fully vaccinated, you are not required to wear a mask at our east coast facility. Otherwise you must wear a mask. If you are sick, or have recently developed symptoms of being sick, please postpone your visit. All guests are subject to a daily temperature check and COVID-19 screening questionnaire. We will continue to re-evaluate this policy as conditions change.

MITAGS-WEST

As of March 12, 2022 the indoor mask mandate in Washington has been lifted. If you are fully vaccinated, you are not required to wear a mask at our west coast facility. Otherwise you must wear a mask. If you are sick, or have recently developed symptoms of being sick, please postpone your visit. All guests are subject to a daily temperature check and COVID-19 screening questionnaire. We will continue to re-evaluate this policy as conditions change.

To read our latest COVID-19 policy, please click here.

YES!  The M/v Fire Dragon training facility on West Ewing Street is back in operation.  We have instituted a number of COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure student safety, and all personal protective equipment is thoroughly cleaned after each class.

Unfortunately, we are not currently able to offer shuttle service from MITAGS-West classrooms to the fire training facility. Students will need to arrange their own transportation.

Please contact our Admissions staff to discuss your options. Keep in mind that courses were scheduled out beyond the shutdown period, and are available for enrollment. You can work with Admissions to reschedule your training for one of these available dates, or request a refund if rescheduling will not be possible.

MITAGS East Coast Campus: [email protected]

MITAGS West Coast Campus: [email protected]

OR Call us toll-free at 866 656 5568

Yes! MITAGS has been working with the U.S. Coast Guard and VA to explore online and blended learning options to continue to provide training our students need. Check out our new blended course options here: https://www.mitags.org/blended-learning-courses/

You can also explore the online courses we are currently offering with our partner, Learn America. Click here for more information.

As of December 6, 2021 President Biden’s new actions and travel restrictions to protect Americans against COVID-19 variants took effect. This means travelers entering the U.S., including American citizens and non-citizens, are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of boarding their flight regardless of vaccination status. In addition, all adult foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. by air are required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated before boarding their flight. To read President Biden’s full statement, click here.

The U.S. Travel Association has also provided these international travel FAQs.

We recommend travelers reach out to their specific airline or departure airport for pertinent information in regards to travel.

As of January 4, 2022, Maryland has seen a dramatic surge in COVID hospitalizations, and the Governor expects the next four to six weeks to be the most difficult time to date. Therefore, Governor Hogan has issued a 30-day state of emergency with two new executive orders. Please use the links below to read more:

MD State of Emergency Proclamation (1.4.22)
MD Executive Order (Healthcare Matters 1.4.22)
MD Executive Order (EMS Workforce 1.4.22)

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To learn more about Maryland’s Roadmap to Recovery and see the status of each Maryland jurisdiction visit: https://governor.maryland.gov/recovery/

Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information: https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/

For other COVID-19 related news in Maryland visit: https://governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus/

Additional information about Washington’s Safe Start Re-Opening Plan can be found here: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/safe-start

For other COVID-19 related news in Washington visit: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx

https://mariners.coastguard.blog/

http://www.socp.us/links.html

https://www.americanwaterways.com/covid19

https://www.covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-and-self-quarantine

The Coast Guard updated MSIB 08-20 on September 30, 2020 announcing the extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements and Medical Certificates. Read MSIB 08-20, Change 4 here.

For the latest guidance provided to commercial vessels by the Coast Guard, see MSIB 07-20.

Other helpful resources include:

• WHO’s operational considerations for managing COVID-19 cases and outbreaks on board ships
• The Coast Guard’s Maritime Commons Blog
• From the AWO: Pandemic Information & Resources for the Towing Industry
• CDC Interim Guidance for Ships on Managing Suspected COVID-19

• Follow the latest guidelines from the CDC and directives put forth by your local government, including getting vaccinated and the practice of social distancing and/or wearing a mask in crowded places.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stop shaking hands or hugging. Use fist bumps or touch elbows.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

• Call your healthcare provider if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing. Do not just go to your doctor’s office or nearest ER – CALL AHEAD FIRST.
• Stay home if symptoms are mild and avoid public areas and public transportation.
• Limit contact with others within your home, including any pets/animals – dedicate a specific “sick room” and use a separate bathroom, if available, and do not share personal household items.
• If you are sick:You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn more about what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.

Other examples of social distancing that allow you to avoid larger crowds or crowded spaces are:

• Working from home instead of at the office
• Closing schools or switching to online classes
• Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in person
• Cancelling or postponing conferences and large meetings
• Limit trips to grocery stores and other retailers and/or go during non-peak hours
• Avoid playgrounds, playdates and other social visits

Currently, it is recommended that any sort of gathering contain no more than 10 people, but each state has various directives in place.

Please continually visit CDC.gov for the latest information on COVID-19. For the CDC’s full list of COVID-19 FAQs, click here.

https://www.uschamber.com/above-the-fold/covid-19-vaccine-faqs