Maritime Apprenticeship Programs

Do you want to go to sea? Do you want to work on the bridge of ships, tugs, ferries, research vessels or mega-yachts?

The Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) offers the fastest track in the industry to a credential as a licensed deck officer. Even with no prior maritime experience, in just over two years, you can obtain a U.S. Coast Guard-issued Mate’s license.

The MITAGS MAP Deck program is approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the State of Washington Workforce Training, Education and Coordinating Board (WTECB), and the State of 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.

This 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).

Structure of the Maritime Apprenticeship

The MAP currently consists of three distinct license pathways: Limited Tonnage Workboat Mate, Unlimited Tonnage Inland Mate, and Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate Oceans. Each pathway has its own unique advantages, and the choice comes down to the type of vessels you would like to work on.  Our advisors can help explain the pros and cons of each pathway.

No matter which path you choose, your training will alternate between sequences of classroom instruction and time sailing aboard working vessels. These onboard experiences are designed to reinforce the lessons learned ashore.  As a result, you will be able to quickly apply your new knowledge on the job, learning from seasoned professionals.

For the sea service training component, you must be selected by a partner company, with which you will remain throughout the entire program. MITAGS facilitates this process as part of the program application.

Upon successful program completion, you will be eligible to take the U.S. Coast Guard exam for a Mate’s license appropriate to the size and route of the vessels you have obtained your sea time on.  The Workboat Mate and Unlimited Third Mate programs meet STCW requirements and assessments, so these graduates also receives their Able Seafarer-Deck and OICNW credentials and can sail internationally.

General Eligibility Requirements

If you are 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 meet the required medical and physical standards in order to qualify for a U.S. Coast Guard-issued  Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate.
• 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.

Questions? Contact a School Advisor