These organizations are located in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties and offer training programs to enter maritime industry career paths.
Maritime Industry Training Partners
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW46) (Also see PSEJATC)
Contact:
19802 - 62nd Avenue S, Suite 105
Kent, WA 98032
253.395.6500
Harry Thompson
Maritime Business Representative
IBEW Local 46
Executive Secretary, PSMTC
253.395.6522
206.321.1314 cell
Overview of Services:
The GREATER PUGET SOUND ELECTRICAL WORKERS are proud to present Washington State Labor & Industries approved CEU classes for renewals of Electrical Certificates and Training Certificates (NOTE: Not all classes are approved for Trainees).
We also offer a few Oregon State approved classes. These classes are open to the public; however, for IBEW and Associate Members, these classes are FREE! For non-members, the class tuition is indicated on the schedule. Classes are held in Kent, Everett, Silverdale, Tacoma and DuPont.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Journeyman in Marine Electrician.
3-year program. They partner with marine employers.
Do all electrical on boat vessels. Slow right now, 4 apprentices; had as many as 32.
Don’t make as much in wages as construction. More people going into that line of work right now., the class tuition is indicated on the schedule. Classes are held in Kent, Everett, Silverdale, Tacoma and DuPont.
Equity Lens
People come to this work training by word-of-mouth; hear from folks in industry; we goe to churches in those communities. And, go where minorities congregate.
Age – 18 years old, minimum. High school graduate or must have GED.
“There is a place in the IBEW for working people of every race and gender, every religion and sexual orientation, every background,” said International President Lonnie R. Stephenson in launching the implementation phase of the Union’s new diversity, inclusion and equity initiative, “IBEW Strong.”
Job Corps
Contact:
Tongue Point Job Corps Center
Astoria, OR
www.tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov/our-program
Overview of Services:
At Tongue Point Job Corps Center, we support the Job Corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
Job Corps' Able Seaman program is offered through the Inland Boatmen's Union. Participants in this career pathway will work towards certification as an able seaman whose duties include standing watch on deck, working on equipment maintenance, and performing most of the labor required on a ship.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Certificate, Able Seaman
MITAGS West — Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies
Contact:
(Formerly Pacific Maritime Institute;
also, Fremont Maritime Services is now part of MITAGS)
1729 Alaskan Way South
Seattle, WA 98134
206.441.2880 Main
Captain John Kjaerulff, Director
Business Development
206.801.1245
206.255.8398 cell
jkjaerulff@mates.org
jkjaerulff@mitags.org
Overview of Services:
MITAGS is the primary training center for members of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (IOMM&P). It exists to enhance the professionalism of mariners through the development of quality maritime leadership, training, education, and safety programs.
MITAGS’ Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) offers a cost-effective way for passionate individuals that possess little or no maritime experience to earn highly sought after mariner qualifications.
Employers contributing to the joint labor-management trust (known as the Maritime Advancement, Training, Education, and Safety (M.A.T.E.S.) Program) recognized the benefit of having well trained captains and deck officers serving on board their ships. The concept proved so successful that training was extended to pilots and non-members as well.
Today, PMI and Fremont Maritime Svc have been merged into the MITAGS brand. This provides students and companies with consistent high-quality simulation and training services at multiple locations.
MITAGS is the leader of State Pilot Training in the US, and internationally.
Certification:
Credential: YES
(Must come back every 5years to renew the credential.)
Able Seaman (AB)
Start out as deck hand, then go AB, to Mate, to Captain.
The school’s watchkeeping assessment programs (Navigation Skills Assessment Program – NSAP®), and the Work Boat Academy Apprenticeships have received international recognition. STCW 2010 Mate to Master Program / Maritime Apprenticeship programs: Upon completion, the Apprentice will be eligible to sit for their Mate’s license and will also hold their AB Limited. In addition, all STCW requirements and assessments are met so the mariner will also receive their Able Seafarer-Deck and OICNW credentials to sail internationally.
Equity Lens:
Had Commissioner Calkins from the Port of Seattle visit last summer. Getting the word out about the Tide Flats program at Tacoma HS.
Very much merit based. Looking for hard workers who apply themselves. Very blue collar profession – respect for people who work hard.
Huge demand in all aspects.
North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners' Association (NPFVOA)
Contact:
Vessel Safety Program
1900 West Emerson, Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98119
206.285.3383
Karen Conrad, Executive Director
Overview of Services:
Commercial fishing is an inherently dangerous occupation. When every second counts, a well-trained crew is vital to survival at sea. Since 1985 NPFVOA has teamed with the Coast Guard and led the way in developing the safety standards for the maritime industry.
NPFVOA is a non-profit organization with a membership composed of approximately 250 vessels, support businesses and individuals totally dedicated to safety education and training for the commercial fishing industry and other mariners.
Courses offered in these disciplines: STCW, Drill, Medical, Survival, Firefighting, Maritime Essentials, Hazwoper, Shipyard Competent Person.
Certification:
Credential: YES
NPFVOA Vessel Safety Program offers ten Coast Guard-approved, hands-on safety training classes for mariners of all kinds, including commercial fishing, small passenger, workboat, and research vessel crews.
Equity Lens:
Not on our radar. Need courses for their employment. Open to anyone. Partner with MHS and do class for them.
Get on the water and do the exercises.
Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship
Contact:
2620 N Harbor Loop Drive
Bellingham, WA 98225
360.223.3994
www.whatcomworkingwaterfront.org
https://secure.LNI.wa.gov/arts-public
Deborah Granger, Program Manager
Working Waterfront Coalition
admin@whatcomworkingwaterfront.org
Overview of Services:
On 7/15/21, the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation, an affiliate of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, proudly announced provisional approval of the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program.
From diesel engine repair to boat building/repair to fitting and rigging, this competency-based education/training program will provide Whatcom and Skagit County businesses with the trained workers needed to maintain and grow this booming sector. We are pleased to offer this new apprenticeship program: Marine Service Technician. Apprentices will receive specific training in general marine technology; safety; gasoline & diesel engine repair; repair of wooden, fiberglass, metal and composite hulls; installation/repair of electrical systems and electronic navigational equipment; repair & maintenance of shaft and propellers; paint and finish applications; operations and maintenance of steering, throttle, remote fuel and sanitation systems; master sailboat rigging techniques; practice rules & regs of maritime law; and more.
Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA)
Contact(s):
PO Box 2985
Tacoma, WA 98401-2985
800.657.9808
Seattle Harbor - Pier 46
401 Alaskan Way S
Seattle, WA 98104
Overview of Services:
The Northwest Seaport Alliance is a marine cargo operating partnership of the Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma. We are the fourth-largest container gateway in the United States. Under a port development authority, the NWSA manages the container, breakbulk, auto and some bulk terminals in Seattle and Tacoma.
Opportunities on our docks with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals 19 or are through the Pacific Maritime Association.
Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)
Contact(s):
Seattle Office
301 West Republican Street
Seattle, WA 98119-0348
206.298.3434
Mailing Address
PO Box 9348
Seattle, WA 98109-0348
PMA Training Facility - CLOSED
Pacific Northwest Training Center
3402 Lincoln Ave
Tacoma, Washington
98421
Overview of Services:
The PMA is a member trade association. The Longshore Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) represents waterfront employees on the U.S. and Canadian Pacific Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska. Nearly 15,000 ILWU workers are employed at West Coast ports.
ILWU-PMA (The Longshore Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union) training facilities are in each region along the West Coast, including Wilmington, CA; Oakland, CA; Tacoma, WA; and Portland, OR. Facilities host training sessions for longshore workers, clerks, and casuals in skills necessary to complete jobs in a productive, safe manner. Classes are multiple times a week in each region.
Opportunities on our docks with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Locals 19 or 23 are through the Pacific Maritime Association.
Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PSEJATC) (Also see IBEW46)
Contact(s):
550 SW 7th Street
Renton, WA 98057
425.228.1777
www.psejatc.org
www.facebook.com/PSEJATC
Clay Tschillard
Training Director
425.228.1777 ext. 101
Overview of Services:
The Puget Sound Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PSEJATC) is a non-profit organization that provides the training required to receive certifications. PSEJATC is jointly sponsored by the Puget Sound Chapter of the NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and IBEW Local 46 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).
It is the responsibility of PSEJATC to provide training for apprentices and journey-level electricians in the organized electrical industry within the IBEW local 46 jurisdiction which includes King, Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Inside Wire Apprenticeship -
5-Year Associate Degree Program Electrician
Limited Energy/Sound and Communication Technician -
3-Year Program
Residential Wire -
2-Year Program
Gain journeyman license? Probably not. Union apprenticeship is dispatched out of IBEW46.
Seattle Area Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
Contact(s):
Seattle Area Plumbing & Pipefitting Industry
595 Monster Road SW, Suite 100
Renton, WA 98057-2937
425.271.5900
Heather Winfrey
Assistant Training Coordinator
206.550.4278 cell
Overview of Services:
Mission: To prepare future generations for success in the mechanical piping industry.
We believe an apprentice’s success is a three-legged stool: personal, financial and professional. Our superior training system prepares apprentices to manage these areas in school, at work and in life. As a result, we cultivate the most competitive and competent mechanics in the piping industry.
We offer Marine Pipefitter Apprenticeship piping and repairing piping on boats. Very small group of people. Non-profit, affiliated with Local 32.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Depends on which trade they apply for.
Plumber would get plumbing license.
HVAC/Refrigeration would get electrical license with State of WA.
Pathways:
HVAC/Refrigeration, Plumber Steamfitter, Marine Pipefitter
Equity Lens:
Need to be 18+
Word-of-mouth via members.
Do some career fairs.
Are reaching out to new audiences.
Contact:
Heather Winfrey
Heather@seattlepipetrades.org
Seattle Maritime Academy - Seattle Central College
Contact(s):
4455 Shilshole Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.934.2647
SMA.central@seattlecolleges.edu
www.maritime.seattlecentral.edu
Dale Bateman, Associate Dean
Seattle Maritime Academy
206.934.2905
dale.bateman@seattlecolleges.edu
Overview of Services:
The Seattle Central College's Seattle Maritime Academy provides classroom instruction, hands-on training, and offers two US Coast Guard-approved certificate programs that prepare you for a career in commercial and passenger transportation, commercial fishing, deep-sea sailing and the workboat industry. Both programs include an at-sea internship. Marine Engineering Technology: You will learn how to operate and maintain a wide range of marine propulsion plants and equipment. This includes engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems and refrigeration equipment. Graduates satisfy the requirements needed to earn a USCG endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED). Marine Deck Technology: You will learn how to perform all aspects of deck operations. This includes navigation, vessel handling, maintenance, knot work and line handling. Graduates satisfy the requirements needed to reach a USCG endorsement of Able Seaman (AB) Special. Other Educational Opportunities: Additionally, SMA provides training for both maritime professionals and recreational boaters. Professional Development: We offer customized training to help develop the workforce at maritime companies and organizations in the region. Continuing Education: Recreational boaters can learn basic navigation, knot-tying, small boat handling and more through our non-credit classes.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Coast-Guard approved Certificate in Marine Engineering Technology. Graduates also satisfy the requirements needed to earn a US Coast Guard endorsement of Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED).
Coast-Guard approved Certificate in Marine Deck Technology. Graduates also satisfy the requirements needed to reach a US Coast Guard endorsement of Able Seaman (AB) Special.
Equity Lens:
DEI is a priority; at the fore of Dale's mind. He works with YMC, Goodwill, Maritime HS and other groups to diversify the student population and to ultimately diversify the maritime industry. He is “throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks.” SMA typically does outreach to high school students. Now developing outreach programs to engage diverse middle and elementary schools, to help plant the maritime seed and pathway at an earlier age. Dale is in the early stages of partnership discussions with WA State Ferries to create a running start program at SMA so high school juniors and seniors can get the needed credits, training, and internships leading to AB and QMED jobs, post-graduation, with the Ferry system. He is looking at ways to fix systemic problems inherent in recruiting a new generation of diverse ferry workers that existed before but have been exacerbated by COVID.Dale also wants to know how best to engage with the Port. Not clear in his mind what levers the Port can pull to assist in these priorities.
Sound Testing, Inc.
Contact(s):
PO Box 16204
Seattle, WA 98116
206.932.0206
206.937.3848 FAX
admin@soundtestinginc.com
www.soundtestinginc.com
Amy Liu
NFPA Certified Marine Chemist No. 706
Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
Asbestos Certified Building Inspector
Industry Trainer
Maritime Consultant
MACOSH Committee Member
MCA Flammable Cryogenic Liquid Carriers Endorsement
206.228.0166
amy.liu@soundtestinginc.com
Overview of Services:
Sound Testing is a locally owned group of NFPA Certified Marine Chemists that have been serving the Maritime Industry since 1979. All have chemistry background, and MA in industrial hygiene.
3-day Class: This training course meets or exceeds the requirements of shipyard industry regulations: OSHA’s Maritime Standard 29 CFR 1915 Subparts A, B, C, D, H & P and your local Fire Department Permit Requirements for Repair and Hot Work on Marine Vessels. (Safety course for workers who might be doing inspections for their jobs.)
Sessions are presented by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), & certified Marine Chemists from Sound Testing, Inc.
Emphases: Safe Confined Space Entry, Safe Hot Work, Meter Use & Calibration, Ventilation Best Practices, Respiratory Protection, Fire Protection and Firewatch.
Teamed up with local community college, Welding Certificate program, 6 month; teamed up with Vigor Industrial to give maritime safety course.
Certification:
Credential: YES/NO
Certificate courses: So you can do these types of inspections, or get continuing ed updates.
Industrial Hygiene: Specifically in ship repair, conversions, new construction, and worker safety.
We do both safety training and safety inspections.
Examples: OSHA places requirements on sites to do regular inspections, or, people have concerns of worker exposure, so we inspect. Pontoons stored by Garfield bridge need repairs--inspect. A container ship is damaged and long shoreman might need help if they need to cut into something --safety inspect. A container ship had fire on board and we inspect to make sure longshoremen were not exposed to dangerous gases.
Equity Lens:
Only 100 people nationwide that are Marine Chemists. Amy Liu is a woman and a minority.
Sound Testing did women and diversity in maritime industry presentation giving Amy Liu more exposure. Always looking for more diversity, for women and people of color to be represented. This industry is mostly male dominated.
Doing outreach with Port-run Maritime HS, to connect and give exposure to these career pathways. Many avenues out there.
Partnering with Lake Union Dry Dock Co. to create internships for high school students to get exposure to shipyards. Taken those students on jobs to show them what they do.
South Seattle College/Vigor Maritime Shipyard Welding Program, Harbor Island Training Center
Contact(s):
South Seattle College
6000 - 16th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98106
206.934.5300
www.southseattle.edu/programs/
maritime-shipyard-welding
Mary Lockman, College Navigator
206.934.5814
mary.lockman@seattlecolleges.edu
Professional & Technical Department
206.934.5394
southproftech@seattlecolleges.edu
Overview of Services:
The Maritime Shipyard Welding Certificate program in partnership with Vigor Industrial provides training in welding theory, process and application understanding in the context specific to the marine industry. Focus includes Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMW), tack welding, SMAW-1F/2F-horizontai/3F-vertical/ 4F-overhead fillet weld positions, joint fit-up, back-gouging and other skills applied to a shipyard work environment.
Other competencies include welds in vertical and overhead positions for marine operations and accomplishing welds out of doors in all weather conditions and in areas not easily accessible. Students will test for a range of maritime recognized certifications including NAVSEA and American Welding Society (AWS) certifications.
Certification:
Credential: YES
Certificate:
Maritime Shipyard Welding
USCG Sector Puget Sound
Contact(s):
1519 Alaskan Way S
Seattle, WA 98134
206.217.6200
206.220.7237
www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-13/Units/Sector-Puge…
www.cool.osd.mil
Overview of Services:
We, the men and women of the Thirteenth Coast Guard District, provide critical maritime services within the Pacific Northwest. Our missions - maritime security, safety, and national defense - require superior professionalism, devotion to excellence and the highest standards of integrity.
Training: You choose your career path based on your aptitude, physical abilities, security clearance, motivation and determination. The Coast Guard offers all specialties to both men and women equally and these specialties are now linked to the Coast Guard's Credentialing Opportunities On-Line program. Our crews can be found conducting search and rescue, patrolling coast, sound and North Pacific to enforce safety and fisheries regulations, conducting safety and compliance inspections and exams on commercial vessels and waterfront facilities and protecting our nation's strategic defense and critical infrastructure.
D13 is home to the largest domestic ferry system in the U.S. moving 24 million passengers and 11 million vehicles annually across 10 routes, the 3rd largest cruise ship port, and the number one grain export gateway in the U.S. through the Columbia River.
Washington State Ferries
Contact(s):
WA State Dept. of Transportation
310 Maple Park Avenue SE
P.O. Box 47300
Olympia, WA 98504-7300
360.705.7000
www.wsdot.wa.gov/about/employment
workforcedevelopment@wsdot.wa.gov
Renee Mason, Recruiter
Ferries Division WSDOT
360.706.3413
masonr@wsdot.wa.gov
Jane Crawford, Director
Workforce Development
Ferries Division WSDOT
crawfoja@wsdot.wa.gov
Overview of Services:
WA State Ferries employs about 1,800 people throughout the Puget Sound region on vessels, in terminals, at the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and at our headquarters in Seattle.
Deckhand positions require a TWIC (Transportation Workers ID Credential) and MMC (Merchant Mariners Credential) cards.
Terminal Attendants require TWIC card only.
Engine room positions:
Oiler – To be considered for an Oiler position you will need to hold a MMC with the QMED endorsement (Qualified Member of Engineering Dept.) and apply to open oiler positions listed on WSDOT careers page.
Assistant Engineer – All of our engine room engineer positions are filled through the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA). Contact the MEBA union hall for current engine room engineer employment opportunities.
Skilled Trades - Positions for Electricians, Welders, Carpenters, etc.
Certification:
Credential: NO
Equity Lens:
All positions at WSDOT, posted on gov site. They send items to Delivery Board, and 27 diverse subscriber groups, and then Puget Sound diversity groups. They draw attention to diversity, women, and people of color. All goes to colleges with focus on diverse students. Recruiters do outreach.
Hasn’t worked with Port at all. This is first contact. Use us as a resource for candidates. Spoke with Squamish Tribe recently and going to their reservation for recruiting.
Other trades in maritime – construction trades, lock smiths, machinists, pipefitters and steam fitters, etc.
Workforce Development Council
Contact(s):
2003 Western Avenue, Suite 250
Seattle, WA 98121-2162
206.448.0474
Marie Kurose, Executive Director
206.448.0486
Overview of Services:
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is a nonprofit, grant-making organization dedicated to creating career pathways for adults and youth through demand-driven workforce and training programs. We convene and partner with business, labor, training and education providers, nonprofits, and diverse community stakeholders to support an inclusive and dynamic regional economy and shared prosperity.
The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides a variety of services to in-school youth (ages 14-21) and out-of-school youth (ages 16-24) who meet eligibility requirements.
Equity Lens:
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County is committed to centering racial justice in our work while also addressing other inequities and disproportionately impacted communities to support economic opportunity and inclusion.
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