Workboat (500/1600 GRT) Maritime Apprenticeship Program Frequently Asked Questions

Relocation for program?

You do not need to relocate for the Workboat Mate Program. You will need to make sure you are in Seattle 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 this program?

All of our apprenticeship programs are approved as two year programs that are started annually. For the WBM program, the two years are split into 6 class phases and 6 sea phases. Below is a brief breakdown of the class and sea phases:

Class Phase 1 – 4 weeks of classes which includes an orientation
Sea Phase 1 – 14 weeks to go out with partner company and work on sea service requirements
Class Phase 2 – 4 weeks of classes
Sea Phase 2 – 15 weeks to go out with partner company and work on sea service requirements
Class Phase 3 – 3 weeks of classes
Sea Phase 3 – 21 weeks to go out with partner company and work on sea service requirements
Class Phase 4 – 5 weeks of classes
Sea Phase 4 – 21 weeks to go out with partner company and work on sea service requirements
Class Phase 5 – 5 weeks of classes
Sea Phase 5 – 11 weeks to go out with partner company and work on sea service requirements
Class Phase 6 – 6 weeks of classes; end of classes
Sea Phase 6 – as many weeks as needed to go out with partner company and finish sea service requirements

Classes:

Classes are generally Monday through Friday, 0800-1600 with an hour for lunch.
All classes except one are at the MITAGS campus in Seattle
MITAGS will provide plotting tools, calculator, student guides, and reference materials for all classes.
Students are expected to bring their own notebooks, pens, pencils.
Per NMC requirements of the program approval, classes must be attended in full and in person.
Also, per NMC requirements of the program approval, all coursework must be completed at MITAGS, predominantly while enrolled in the apprenticeship program. If a course was completed at MITAGS, within a year of starting the apprenticeship, the NMC will accept that course.
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.

Current partner companies: Centerline Logistics, Western Towboat, Foss Maritime and Sause Bros
One day of sea service = minimum 8 hours
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 but it is during the sea phases that there can be some flexibility for appointments, birthdays, holidays, life, etc.
There will be progress reports during this time period that go to the captains, then to the port captain, then to the MITAGS program manager and reviewed during the next class phase.

How much does it cost?

For 2026, the 500/1600ton Workboat mate program is estimated at *$45,000 is split into 6 payments over the two years that align with each of the class phases – see above. Apprentices are expected to pay for the block of classes they are about to take, one week before they take that set of classes.

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

* MITAGS reserves the right to adjust tuition as appropriate to meet resource requirements.

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. There have been some recent scholarship opportunities including JV Maritime Scholarship: About | Marine Exchange of Puget Sound. These do not cover the entire cost of the program but would help cover a class phase.

What are the wages?

Partner companies follow the minimum wage standard based on the federal standard set for the maritime academies per the contract agreement. However, wages are generally higher than that standard and depend on the company. This is an item that should be discussed if you proceed to an interview with the one or more of the partner companies. Other conversations to have during a company interview are about benefits, travel, and tuition assistance.

Housing options are as follows:

MITAGS-West has some deals sorted out with local hotels but we wouldn’t recommend that for an entire class phase. In general, we recommend Airbnb or an apartment short-term or sublet (Craigslist and Facebook are options to find these) for both campuses 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?

500/1600ton NC or Ocean Mate
AB Limited (National)
AS-D (International STCW rating)
Lifeboatman
RFPNW

What are the work schedules, salaries, locations after completing the MAP?

Common schedules in the ocean tug sector: 28/28 rotations; 45/45 rotations; or 60/60 rotations
Regionally based with Pacific Northwest and West Coast routes
General salary as mate is $90k-$100k per with benefits
Career path: Mate → Captain within the towing sector

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 – these do not necessarily disqualify a person from getting a license; 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 a 500 or 1600ton oceans mate license, everyone has to take the 7 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 similar between the programs but applications should be catered to the program you’re applying for.
Other work during the apprenticeship– 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.