Washington State Ferries Apprenticeship Program

Campus Location: MITAGS-West (Seattle, Washington)

Partner Company Providing Onboard Training: Washington State Ferries

Program Start Date: January 13th, 2025

Application Deadline:

    • Application Submission: June 1 – June 30, 2024
    • Notification of Application Acceptance/Decline: July 5, 2024
    • Notification of Scholarship Award: Mid – Late August 2024

License Pathway: Unlimited Tonnage Mate – Inland

Tuition Cost: N/A – This is a scholarship funded program. Selected apprentices will earn a $200 per day stipend for training days onboard the WSF vessels (360 days total over the 2 years).

 

Candidate Requirements

Requirements for full admission to all of the MITAGS MAP training programs are:

    • Minimum age of 18.5 at time of application; must be 19 when the program begins due to USCG licensing regulations.
    • Proof of high school diploma, GED or HiSET
    • Basic Math Entrance Exam (completed online, following your initial program interview)
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship (US Coast Guard requirement for licensed credentials)
    • Eligibility to obtain TWIC, Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), and USCG Medical Certificate (WSF will assist selected applicants with this process)
 

Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 MITAGS Washington State Ferries Maritime Apprenticeship Scholarship. You will be notified by July 5 if your application is proceeding forward for consideration and evaluation. If you do not receive an email by July 5, please check your spam or junk folder.

 

Find Frequently Asked Questions here.


About Washington State Ferries

The Washington State Ferry system is the largest in the U.S. and the second largest in the world, with a fleet of 21 auto-passenger vessels operating out of 20 terminals on 10 different routes in the Puget Sound. We are the third largest transit system in Washington, moving an average of 23 million commuters, casual riders and tourists per year.

WSF’s core values are to serve, respect, grow, trust, and navigate. We provide safe, reliable service for our customers, we embrace differences and treat all people with dignity, we celebrate each other’s successes and learn from our mistakes, we create a space where everyone feels safe and valued, and we adapt and correct course to constantly improve. Come join WSF as it embraces a positive culture change for all!

Benefits of Being a Deck Officer with Washington State Ferries

    • Competitive wages: WSF licensed deck officers starting pay range $97,000 – 104,000
    • Full Benefits
    • Retirement
    • Continued Training
    • Learn more at the WSF website