7Relocation for the Program?

You do not need to relocate for the Workboat Mate Program. You will need to make sure you are at the East Coast campus in Linthicum Heights, MD for the class phases which are briefly outlined below. The partner companies generally assist with transportation to and from the vessels. 

What is the Typical Flow of the Program? 

All of our apprenticeship programs are approved as two year programs that are started annually. For the GRN program, the two years are split into 3 class phases and 2 sea phases. Below is a brief breakdown of the class and sea phases:

• Class Phase 1 – April 2026
• Sea Phase 1 – May through December 2026
• Class Phase 2 – January to Mid-March 2027
• Sea Phase 2 – April through December 2027
• Class Phase 3 – January and February 2028

**For ALL programs, we schedule one last review after the program is complete.  This is to get all the required documents in order to apply for the mate’s license.  This is also when we schedule a review (test prep) session. ** 

Classes 

• Classes are generally Monday through Friday, 0800-1600 with an hour for lunch.
• All classes are at the MITAGS East campus in Linthicum Heights
• MITAGS will provide plotting tools, calculator, student guides, and reference materials for all classes.
• Students are expected to bring their own notebooks, pens, pencils.
• Due to the approval of the classes and program, classes must be attended in full and in person.
• This is the fastest track possible to this level of mate’s license, expect classes to be intense and challenging. The program covers an incredible wealth of information in just two years.
• Progress reports from the sea phase will be reviewed during class phases.

Sea Phases 

As a requirement of the program, an apprentice must get 360 days of sea service while in the program. Any previous sea time does not count towards the 360 required days. Previous sea time may potentially be used after completion of the program to upgrade ratings and/or license.

• Sea Phases are 9ish months. This depends due to the nature of a shipping season on the Great Lakes. Shipping on the Great Lakes stops due to winter storms and ice; shutdown usually starts January and goes to March.
• Apprentices are expected to shadow all the various deck roles onboard over the 2 years. As a deck officer, you will be a leader and must be aware of the individual roles onboard.
• Apprentices are expected to make continuous progress on the sea service requirements; both MITAGS and GRN expect apprentices to be able to acquire 360 days over the two sea phases.
• There will be progress reports during this time period that go to the captains, then to the port captain, and then to the MITAGS program manager and reviewed during the next class phase..

How Much Does it Cost? 

For 2026, the GRN program is estimated at $40,000 is split into payments. Previously this broke down into 6 payments over the two years:

• First class phase = 1 payment
• Second class phase = 4 payments over the second year
• Third class phase = 1 payment

Refunds are generally not provided due to how the program is structured and tuition payments are scheduled.

Paying for the Program 

We understand that the cost of the program is a significant hurdle for many to face. We also understand the additional frustration that MITAGS is not able to accept financial aid as we are not an accredited institution. This is one part of why we break up the total cost of the program into tuition blocks.

The ways most folks have paid for the program are:

• Saved and pay out of pocket
• Receive help from family
• 529 Savings
• Personal loan

For veterans, the program is certified through the VA so the post 9-11 GI Bill and VR&E benefits can be used to pay for classes.

We are also always looking for scholarships that an apprentice may apply for and share those opportunities as we find them.

What Are the Wages? 

GRN starts the onboard wages at $50/day for the first 60 days. After the first 60 days, the wages increase to $100/day. The first hitch must be a minimum of 60 days. 

Housing Options 

At MITAGS East we do have the hotel but there is no special rate so the cost is about $6,000 per month. There are some long-term hotel options near our East Coast campus that are a bit more cost effective. In general, we recommend Airbnb or an apartment sublet to keep housing costs reasonable. Many of our apprentices end up getting an Airbnb together to also help with housing cost. 

What Licenses/ratings Is One Qualified for After Completion of the Program? 

• National Unlimited Inland Mate
• AB Limited (National)
• AS-D (International STCW rating)
• Lifeboatman
• RFPNW
• *Pilotage for Great Lakes once mate license is obtained – apprentice will need to make sure to log trips while completing sea time requirements during program 

Can the Licenses/Ratings Transfer to Other Parts of the Maritime Industry? 

Logistically yes; it should be noted for all the apprenticeship programs MITAGS offers, the predominant focus is finding long-term career potential with the company a person apprentices with. All the apprenticeship programs rely on the companies supporting an apprentice onboard. If a majority of apprentices use the program to get a license and then go elsewhere, companies would stop supporting.
With that, we recognize that since the program has been designed for folks that have little to no maritime experience, you don’t know what you don’t know.
The most flexible part of the license is the AB Limited. Almost all vessels need ABs or at the very least deckhands. 

Other Considerations & Questions 

Criminal Convictions
Applicants with criminal records are not necessarily disqualified from attaining a license. However, the paperwork process is more complicated. You will need to fill out a 719C with your MMC application. DUI’s will need to be sorted out as Canada has very strict policies about this and most partner companies travel through Canada.

Learning Disabilities & Testing Accommodations
At MITAGS, , we will do our best to accommodate learning disabilities. As a note though, outside of the school, accommodation is not provided. As noted above, to get the unlimited inland mate license, everyone has to take the 5 USCG exams. The Regional Exam Centers are not allowed to provide accommodations due to allowances for ADA can impact language critical skills, and there generally has been no allowance made to ensure safety of crew. The exact language about accommodations can be viewed here under the Examinations Guide.

Other Programs
If you decide that one of the other apprenticeship programs may be a better fit, you are welcome to apply. Note that the application is different between the programs and applications should be catered to the program you’re applying for.

Other Work
This is possible but unlikely to occur and not recommended. This is an intense two years and taking on extra can put at risk an apprentice’s ability to get through classes. While onboard the vessels, you’re onboard 24/7.