Maritime Apprenticeship Programs

Ready to Start Your Maritime Career?

Are you interested in a career at sea—on ships on the Great Lakes, tugs in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, or ferries on Puget Sound? The Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) offers the fastest path to becoming a licensed deck officer, even with no prior maritime experience. In just over two years, you can be eligible for a U.S. Coast Guard Mate’s license.

Why Choose the MAP?

  • Industry-Approved: Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, State of Washington WTECB, Maryland MHEC, and by the Department of Veteran Affairs for eligible members and their dependents.
  • Award-Winning: Recipient of the Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Innovator and Trailblazer Award and Lloyd’s List Training Award for North America.
  • Hands-On Training: Alternate between classroom instruction and real-world experience aboard vessels.

Program Pathways

The MAP has three license pathways approved through the USCG:

  1. 500/1600ton Mate Ocean or Near-Coastal*
  2. National Mate Unlimited Great Lakes & Inland
  3. Third Mate Unlimited Oceans*

Each pathway caters to different areas of the maritime industry. Learn more about the pathways below.  Please note, based on resources and available partnerships, not all pathways are always available. Programs MITAGS is currently recruiting for will be listed to the right under current offerings.

*Apprentices that undergo this pathway will also be eligible for the international qualifications of Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (OICNW)

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for any of the apprenticeship pathways, you must:

  • Pass a math entrance exam (85% minimum) – see below for more detail
Why a Math Entrance Exam?

Acceptance into the MITAGS apprenticeship program requires a math exam for several reasons:

Skill Requirement: Many apprenticeship programs, especially those in technical or trade fields, require a strong foundation in mathematics. Math skills are crucial for understanding navigation concepts, performing calculations, and problem-solving in real-world scenarios. Thus, the math exam serves as a preliminary assessment of an applicant’s mathematical proficiency.

Course Intensity: The apprenticeship program is intensive, hands-on training that covers a wide range of specific subjects in a relatively short period. A solid understanding of mathematics is essential for keeping pace with the curriculum and comprehending complex concepts. The math exam helps ensure that applicants have the necessary skills to succeed in the demanding coursework.

Predictive Value: Evidence from previous programs indicates a relationship between performance on the math exam and success in the apprenticeship program. Applicants who struggle with the math exam may also encounter difficulties in understanding course materials and completing classes.

Resource Allocation: Accepting applicants who lack sufficient math skills could lead to challenges for both the students and the program itself. Students who struggle with math often require additional support and resources that may not be available. By setting a minimum standard through the math exam, the program can ensure that resources are available and used effectively and efficiently to support all accepted students.

In summary, requiring a math exam for acceptance into the MITAGS apprenticeship program helps ensure that applicants have the necessary skills to succeed in the rigorous coursework. It serves as an initial mechanism to identify individuals who are better prepared to handle the technical demands of the program, ultimately benefiting both the students and the program as a whole. MITAGS and WSF aim to make sure that applicants are well-prepared to succeed in the apprenticeship program and the math exam helps in that process.

Wondering what math to expect? Click below to access a workbook to prepare for the math exam.

 

Mathmatics for the MAP Program

Your Journey

Apprentices work with partner companies*, gaining valuable sea service while reinforcing classroom learning. Upon completion, you’ll be eligible to take the U.S. Coast Guard exam to gain the credentials to sail as an officer on U.S. flagged vessels.

*Partner companies are companies that have signed agreements with MITAGS to follow the standards set by the USCG

Learn more below and take the first step toward your maritime career with the MAP.

Unsure if this is the right path for you, Click here to see an introduction into the various ways to get working on ships

 

Questions? Contact a School Advisor

We offer the ability of a person to come in, absolutely new to the industry without having any previous experience, and we can provide the training they would need in order to actually obtain their Coast Guard license.
Emily Hopkins

Director of MITAGS West

Learn More In Our MAP Video!

Click below to view the MAP brochure.

Maritime Apprenticeship Programs Brochure

EXPECTED APPLICATION TIMELINE FOR UPCOMING OFFERINGS

 

Watch This Space!

LEARN MORE

Workboat
Unlimited Tonnage Inland Mate
Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate

Benefits of a Maritime Apprenticeship Program

Participating in a Maritime Apprenticeship Program offers several benefits for individuals who want to build a maritime career:

  • College not required: You don’t need a college degree to enroll in an apprenticeship program. The programs allow you to pursue a fulfilling career without the high cost of a college degree. You’ll also be on your way to a career in less time, just two years, with an apprenticeship.
  • Assistance finding a partner company: The apprenticeship program has strong relationships with numerous partner companies. We help to match apprentices with the right company.
  • Ability to earn while learning skills: During the onboard training portion of the program, you’ll spend 360 calendar days at sea and will receive a stipend for the days you work. The size of the stipend varies by company..
  • Job placement support: Many apprentices continue to work with the same companies they completed their at-sea training with.
  • Connection to a community: When you complete a Maritime Apprenticeship Program, you become part of the seafaring community. You’ll work closely with others who have similar goals and values to you.
  • Access to a rewarding career: An apprenticeship program can be the first step to take to a well-paying, fulfilling career. Maritime positions often pay higher wages than shore-based careers and offer greater stability than land-based jobs.
After careful review, this Program is based on sound pedagogy and a careful consideration of the standards that must be met by the graduates. It is an intense, demanding program. Good! We want competent people on the bridge.
Dr. Allen Glen

Dean Emeritus, University of Washington

MAP Frequently Asked Questions

HOW MUCH IS THE TUITION?
Please contact a school advisor for the latest MAP tuition rates. Tuition is paid in pre-scheduled increments over the duration of the program at the start of each academic phase. Tuition includes books and simulation fees.
IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?
MAP is approved to accept VA educational benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® . However, at this time, federal financial aid is not available.
HOW MUCH IS THE STIPEND?
During your time with the MAP, the stipend while on a vessel will depend on several factors, but generally is at the partner company’s discretion. Some companies abide by the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) stipulated stipend of $30 a day, whereas other companies may offer a higher stipend or pay an hourly rate.
DO I HAVE TO FIND A COMPANY TO TAKE ME ON AS AN APPRENTICE?
MITAGS’ MAP has built strong partnerships with various partner companies. Knowing the needs and requirements of each company, we strive to match the right apprentices with the right company.
DO I HAVE ANY SAY IN WHAT COMPANY I MAY APPRENTICE WITH?
As much as is practicable, applicants preferences are taken into consideration.
WHAT WILL MY SALARY BE ONCE I HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE PROGRAM?
Salaries are determined by many factors, but the median rate for a Deck Officer working on tugs is $400 per day. Other sectors of the industry can vary greatly in their compensation.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY TWIC AND MMC?
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is administered by the TSA, and the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. While the timelines for obtaining these credentials can vary greatly due to agency demands, applicants should plan for at least three months from the time they apply for their TWIC to receive both credentials.
HOW LONG ARE THE SEA PHASES?
The length of each trip depends on what part of the maritime industry you will be working in, as well as the needs of each individual company. A voyage can be anywhere from a week to a few months in duration. Apprentices are given an ample amount of time to complete their required days at sea.
IS HOUSING INCLUDED IN THE TUITION?
No, housing is not included in the tuition.
CAN I WORK ON THE SIDE WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?
Working while enrolled in the Maritime Apprenticeship Program is extremely challenging. Apprentices spend 360 calendar days at sea and approximately 26 weeks in the classroom during the program. Due to the seasonal and unpredictable nature of the maritime industry, it is difficult to forecast days off.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
The duration of the program is approximately 28 months; however, some participants have finished in as few as 24 months. Completion of the program includes finishing all the required coursework, completing the training record book, and accumulating 360 days of sea service.
WHAT CLASS HOURS WILL I HAVE?
Classroom hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Some classes meet on Saturdays. Homework is regularly assigned throughout the week, and for classes longer than one week in duration, homework is assigned over the weekend.
DOES THE SCHOOL ASSIST WITH JOB PLACEMENT ONCE I COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?
Sailing and working 360 days within the program allows the partner company to extensively observe and evaluate apprentices. Over 90% of our alumni stay on with the company with whom they apprenticed.
WHEN DOES THE PROGRAM START?
The program typically starts in the Spring or Fall, but may vary. Please contact the Program Manager for the latest schedule.
CAN I USE COURSES I TOOK PREVIOUSLY FOR THIS PROGRAM?
MITAGS’ Maritime Apprenticeship Programs are United States Coast Guard approved training programs. As such, the USCG accepts the training students receive in the classroom as well as time on board vessels, and apprentices receive credit for a portion of the necessary sea time required for a Mate’s license. This arrangement with the USCG does not allow for courses taken elsewhere, and all courses are required in order to complete the program.
CAN I USE PREVIOUSLY ACQUIRED SEA TIME FOR THIS PROGRAM?
As mentioned above, the program approval requires 360 days of sea service within the program. For questions regarding your specific situation, please call the Program Manager toll-free, at 1-(866) 656-5568.
ARE ALL THE PROGRAMS THE SAME?
The MAP Deck Program offers a ‘Third Mate Unlimited’ track and a ‘500-1600 GRT Limited’ track, also known as the Workboat Mate Program or Workboat Academy.
DO I HAVE TO MOVE TO THE CITY MY CAMPUS IS LOCATED IN?
Students are required to be on campus during the classroom phases of the program but are not required to relocate to the city in which the campus is located. Many apprentices find temporary lodging for the classroom phases.
AM I TOO OLD FOR THIS PROGRAM?
MAP is open to anyone that is qualified for the position. The program is physically demanding with long arduous hours. If you are in good health, and able to meet the job description, you will certainly be given the exact same consideration as anyone else. It should be noted, however, that one of the primary reasons for the establishment of the MAP was due to an aging workforce.
HOW MANY WOMEN ARE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM?
While the maritime industry is traditionally male-dominated, more and more women are successfully entering the field. MAP has several female instructors who are accomplished Chief Officers, Captains and Mates. Women interested in a career at sea are strongly encouraged to apply.
HOW DO I GET THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS STARTED?
Complete and submit the inquiry form on the ‘Contact Us’ page of this website or email us at info@maritimeapprenticeship.org, and a MAP representative will be in touch with more information.