Maritime Apprenticeship Programs

Used to develop high-quality mariners, the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) prepares mariners for careers at sea. You don’t need previous experience or knowledge of the maritime industry to enroll in a MAP. After completing the program, you’ll have the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for the duties and responsibilities of a Deck Officer.

The 28-month program is divided into approximately 26 weeks of classroom training and 360 calendar days of training at sea. Some Apprentices have been able to finish the program in as little as 24 months. You receive all the training and support required for a Mate’s license.

The apprenticeship programs are organized so that simulation and onboard maritime training reinforce every shore-based training phase. This approach allows Apprentices to immediately apply their new knowledge on the job. Each phase builds on the previous phase, allowing skill development to progress gradually and logically.

Admissions Requirements for Maritime Apprenticeships

If you’re interested in applying for a Maritime Apprenticeship Program, you must meet specific requirements first. Apprentices must be:

• At least 19 years old: You need to be at least 21 years old to receive an officer endorsement. Since the apprenticeship program takes two years, you need to be at least 19 when you apply. There is no upper age limit for the program, but apprentices must be in good physical health.
• In possession of a high school diploma: The apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
• Eligible for a U.S. passport: After completing the apprenticeship program, you are eligible for the Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch endorsement, which is open to U.S. citizens only.
• Physically fit: You must pass a physical exam before you enroll in the program. The requirements of the physical vary based on the partner company.
• Able to pass a math test: Apprentices need to demonstrate basic math ability by passing a math entrance exam. You need a score of at least 85%.
• In possession of a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC): Every Merchant Mariner must have an MMC, which requires a physical exam and drug test.
• In possession of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): To work in onboard vessels and in a shipyard, you need a TWIC.

Structure of the Maritime Apprenticeship

For the sea service training component, MITAGS matches prospective apprentices to reputable companies who have signed on with the program through interviews. Apprentices must be placed with a Partner Company before starting the program, and they remain with a selected company throughout the entire program.

Apprentice programs cover a range of job duties and responsibilities, providing the Apprentices with the skills and knowledge to work aboard towing vessels, ferries and other types of workboats. Our programs consist of the Workboat Mate Program (500-1600 GRT Limited), Third Mate Unlimited and Washington State Ferry MAP.

Upon program completion, the Apprentice will be eligible to sit for their Mate’s license and hold their AB Limited.  Since the program meets STCW requirements and assessments, the mariner also receives their Able Seafarer-Deck and OICNW credentials and can sail internationally. The tonnage of the vessels the you sail on during the program determine whether you receive a 500-1600 GRT Limited or a Third Mate Unlimited tonnage license.

Questions? Contact a School Advisor

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.

Apprentice programs cover a range of job duties and responsibilities, proving the Apprentices with the skills and knowledge to work aboard towing vessels, ferries and other types of workboats. Our programs consist of the Workboat Mate Program (500-1600 GRT Limited), Third Mate Unlimited and Washington State Ferry MAP.

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.

HISTORY

The apprenticeship program originated in 2006 as an answer to the upcoming shortage of qualified Mates and Masters in the towboat industry. With input from the industry the two-year program was created and has since grown into a successful and well-respected apprenticeship training program.

APPROVALS

The MITAGS MAP Deck program is approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the State of Washington’s “Workforce Training, Education and Coordinating Board” (WTECB), and the State of Maryland’s “Maryland Higher Education Commission” (MHEC). This program is also approved by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and honors the Post 9/11 GI Bill® for eligible veterans and their dependents.

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.

AWARDS

MITAGS’ Maritime Apprenticeship Program is the proud recipient of the Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Innovator and Trailblazer Award (2012) and the Lloyd’s List Training Award for North America (2015).