Maritime Apprenticeship Programs:
Admissions Requirements & Processes
EDUCATION
A High School Diploma or approved equivalency is required for the MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Programs.
AGE
The Maritime Apprenticeship Programs (MAP) ARE open to anyone that is qualified for the position. The program is physically demanding with long, arduous hours. Anyone in good health, and able to meet the job description, will be given the exact same consideration. It should be noted, however, that one of the primary reasons for the establishment of the MAP was due to an aging workforce. Please note that per 46 CFR 11.201(e) no officer endorsement may be issued by the USCG to a person who has not attained the age of 21 years. Since the program takes two plus years we cannot admit anyone under the age of 19 in the program.
BASIC MATH ENTRANCE EXAM
Administered by the MAP online, applicants are provided with a practice workbook to prepare for the exam. Passing score is 85% or higher.
ABLE TO PASS THE U.S. COAST GUARD PHYSICAL EXAM
You must meet the required medical and physical standards in order to qualify for a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate.
ELIGIBLE FOR AN AMERICAN PASSPORT
The MAP provides training to obtain the Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch (OICNW) endorsement. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (a.k.a. The Jones Act) does not allow non-United States citizens to obtain the OICNW endorsement.
MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL (MMC)
The Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is a required document for every Merchant Mariner. In order to obtain a MMC, the applicant must complete an enrollment form (CG-719B) and pass a USCG-approved physical exam (CG-719K), including a drug test. Please use the following links to download these forms:
Form CG-719B, click here: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719B.pdf
Form CG-719K, click here: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/NMC/pdfs/forms/CG_719K.pdf
TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL (TWIC)
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is a document required in the shipyard and onboard vessels. Please use the following link to enroll in the TWIC program.
HOW DO I ENROLL
For further information and to start the process, complete and submit the inquiry form below or email us at [email protected].
Admission Checklist & Processes:
- Complete and submit the inquiry form on our website or email us at [email protected].
- The applicant will receive a detailed email with information about the program and a request for additional paperwork (scanned copies of resume, cover letter, current passport-style photograph, and letter of recommendation from a present or former employer).
- Once the above information has been received, a video interview via Microsoft TEAMS will be arranged with the applicant.
- During the TEAMS interview, campus location and program start date will be determined.
- Additional scanned documents will be requested, including the applicant’s Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), Transportation Worker Transportation Credential (TWIC), driver’s license, passport, and diploma or transcript. Applicants will be given instructions for taking a math skills assessment which must be passed with a score of 85% or higher.
- If the applicant is Post 9/11 GI Bill®-eligible, a letter of eligibility will be requested.
- MITAGS will submit a resume package to participating Partner Companies.
- Partner Companies will select applicants for in-person interviews.
- The Partner Company will select the applicant(s) they would like to bring on board as Apprentice(s).
- Upon selection, an enrollment package, including tuition agreement, payment information, program details, and schedule will be sent to the Apprentice.
- Upon receipt of signed agreements and first tuition payment, a welcome aboard letter will be sent to the Apprentice.
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.
Maritime Apprenticeship Programs
MITAGS’ Maritime Apprenticeship Programs offer a fast and cost-effective way for passionate individuals that possess little or no maritime experience to earn highly desirable qualifications.
For the sea service training component, MITAGS facilitates the matching of prospective apprentices with reputable companies who have signed on with the program, using an interview process. Apprentices must be placed with a Partner Company prior to starting the program, and they remain with a selected company throughout the entire program.
Upon program completion, the Apprentice will be eligible to sit for their Mate’s license and will also hold their AB Limited. In addition, all STCW requirements and assessments are met so the mariner will also receive their Able Seafarer-Deck and OICNW credentials to sail internationally. The tonnage of the vessels the apprentice sails on during the program will determine whether they receive their Mate of 500/1600 GRT vessels, or a Third Mate Unlimited tonnage license.
To learn more about our programs please fill out the form below!