Relocation for the Program?

 

You do not need to relocate for the Grand River Navigation MAP. Participants are required to be at the MITAGS East Coast campus in Linthicum Heights, MD for the class phases. For the sea phases, GRN assists 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. 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:

The program is broken up into 3 class phases and 2 sea phases

• Class Phase 1 – April 2025
• Sea Phase 1 – May through December 2025
• Class Phase 2 – January to Mid-March 2026
• Sea Phase 2 – April through December 2026
• Class Phase 3 – January and February 2027

***Please note class dates are subject to change but expected to be as listed above***

 

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 approximately 9 months. The length of the phases may vary due to the nature of the shipping seasons on the Great Lakes. Shipping on the Great Lakes stops due to winter storms and ice. Shutdown is usually January – 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. The reports are reviewed during the next class phase.

 

How Much Does it Cost?

 

For 2025, the GRN program is estimated at $40,000. The tuition is split into payments over the two years that align with each of the class phases. Refunds are generally not provided due to how the program is structured and tuition payments are scheduled. Apprentices are expected to pay for the block of classes they are about to take, one week before they are about to take them.

 

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. Most apprentices pay for the program in the following ways:

• Save and pay out of pocket
• Receive help from family
• Personal loan

This program is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and honors the Post 9/11 GI Bill for eligible veterans and their dependents. Learn more.

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.

 

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 pursue a group Airbnb.

 

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.

We recognize that the program was designed for those with little to no maritime experience. There is a learning curve.

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. Most of our partner companies travel through Canada. Please consult with a professional in the case of a DUI charge, as such violations can prevent a merchant mariner from entering Canada, or working on vessels that travel into Canadian ports.

Learning Disabilities & Testing Accommodations
At MITAGS, we do our best to accommodate individuals with learning disabilities. However, outside of the school, accommodations are not provided. All participants pursuant of the unlimited inland mate license are required to take the 5 USCG exams. The Regional Exam Centers are not allowed to provide accommodations, as allowances for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can impact language critical skills. Generally, there is 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 another MITAGS apprenticeship program is a better fit, we encourage you to apply. Note that applications differ for each program.

Employment During Apprenticeship
The apprenticeship program is a fairly intense 2-year commitment that requires a participant’s full attention. Apprentices will have weekends off during class phases, and weekdays off during sea phases. We do not recommend additional employment during the apprenticeship. While onboard the vessels, you’re onboard 24/7.