Grand River Navigation Maritime Apprenticeship Program

Campus Location: MITAGS-East (Linthicum Heights, Maryland)

Partner Company Providing Onboard Training: Grand River Navigation

Program Start Date: Early April 2025

Application Dates:

• • Application period opens August 01, 2024
  • Application period closes September 30, 2024

License Pathway: Unlimited Inland Mate

Tuition Cost: $40,000 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: $50/day for first 60 days; $100/day for required 300 days after

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

 

Overview

MITAGS is looking for passionate, motivated individuals who have interest in working and training on 1000 foot bulkers on the Great Lakes. Our curriculum alternates academic and at-sea phases, which makes for greater retention of the material. Our program is competitive, but for the right candidates it provides a unique and rewarding opportunity.

 

Participating Company

Grand River Navigation is the largest US operator, by number, on the Great Lakes, operating 10 Class II & III self-unloading vessels. GRN’s trades represent core aspects of the US economy. The Great Lakes region produces 27% of US GDP. GRN’s core markets are stone, iron ore, salt, grain, petcoke/coke, gypsum, slag, coal, other oxides. For employees, Grand River Navigation does their best to develop and promote from within. They strive to understand your career objectives and seek to help you advance to the highest position that you are capable of achieving.

 

Candidate Requirements

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

• • Minimum age of 19
  • Proof of 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

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 MITAGS Grand River Navigation 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.

Please review the following requirements to make sure you submit a completed application. Applications may be submitted using the online form on this page, or by sending an email with all necessary resources attached to [email protected].

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 MITAGS Grand River Navigation Apprentice Program. To apply for the program, you must submit the following:

• • 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.
  • A 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

• MAP information sessions provide an opportunity for us to get to know you better. Applicants learn more about the program and partner companies. Dates to be announced.