Address:
Central Administration Building
601 South 8th Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 571-1000
www.tacomaschools.org/departments/cte/certification/merchantmarine
Contact:
Adam Kulaas, Director
Career & Technical Education
[email protected]
Jeff Klancke
CTE Innovative Programs
(253) 571-1279
Chris Sieg
CTE Cooperative Work Experience
(253) 571-1024
Overview of Services:
Tacoma Tideflats - Merchant Marine Summer Program
The Tacoma Tideflats Program (US Merchant Marine) sets students up with a livable wage career in the international world of moving goods across the globe. Imagine living and working on a ship, sailing all around the world, earning a high wage, and getting 2-to-1 vacation time ratio (ship tours range from 45 to 120 days).
There are 3 job categories of Merchant Marine:
Deck - securing ship cargo, navigating the vessel, general maintenance of the ship.
Engine Room - maintaining mechanical systems (hydraulics, electrical, propulsion, etc.)
Steward - cooking for the crew and cleaning indoor areas.
This is an exciting summer program with lots of hands-on training and experiences. You will learn shipboard firefighting procedures; deploy and survive on life rafts; provide first aid and general awareness of personal safety; participate in 5 days of field trips to explore career opportunities.
Credential: YES
Merchant Marine credential:
Can do everything from tugboats to the Washington State Ferry System, Seafarers International Union (deep water ships), to fishing boats in Alaska.
One of our most exciting options is the Seafarers International Union (SIU). They offer a full apprenticeship program and are eager to hire Tacoma graduates. They provide ALL future training opportunities for career advancement and connect you with jobs for the rest of your time in the union. Salaries start at $4,000 to $5,000 per month and go up quickly as you gain training and experience. The SIU Apprenticeship covers training, food, lodging, etc.
Equity Lens:
Another opportunity you can explore is through JobCore. They offer additional training opportunities to get you in the maritime industry, again, all free to you (training, food, lodging, etc).
