| While there are few guarantees in life, one vocational | | | | Students also have opportunities to benefit from a |
| training program actually guarantees its graduates an | | | | bridge simulator, which makes it possible to upgrade |
| initial job. | | | | training in voyage planning and execution, coastal and |
| The training center, located in Piney Point, Md., is | | | | offshore navigation, collision avoidance and search |
| affiliated with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) | | | | and rescue operations. |
| and its contracted companies. Its mission is to | | | | Training is also available in bridge watchkeeping |
| provide the training needed for a successful career | | | | procedures, oil spill response management, culinary |
| as a United States Merchant Mariner. | | | | arts and bridge team management. |
| There is no tuition or room and board costs for the | | | | Recently, the school opened a Coast Guard-approved |
| entry level program. Students, however, are | | | | safety school at Barber's Point, Honolulu, Hawaii. The |
| expected to cover the cost of travel to the facility, | | | | satellite facility trains students for new job |
| clothing and pre-entry medical screening. | | | | opportunities aboard U.S.-flag cruise ships, while |
| Established in 1967, The Paul Hall Center for Maritime | | | | helping meet the increased demand for trained |
| Training and Education offers the most U.S. Coast | | | | mariners from Hawaii. |
| Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in | | | | The Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, |
| the nation. | | | | Lakes and Inland Water District, AFL-CIO represents |
| The center offers everything from entry training to | | | | unlicensed United States merchant mariners sailing |
| license preparation to academic support and more. As | | | | aboard U.S.-flag vessels into the deep sea, Great |
| vocational training for U.S. mariners seemingly | | | | Lakes and inland trades. The union also represents |
| becomes more important each year, the center | | | | licensed U.S. mariners in the Great Lakes and inland |
| provides state-of-the-art schooling. For example, an | | | | sectors. |
| engine department simulator at the school provides | | | | Seafarers typically enjoy competitive pay, freedom in |
| training for engine room watchkeeping, diesel | | | | scheduling, good medical coverage for themselves |
| propulsion and electrical power plants. | | | | and their families, a pension plan and a contract that |
| Additionally, the simulator includes an auxiliary system, | | | | spells out safe working conditions, vacation benefits |
| machinery simulator, plus crane and liquid cargo | | | | and more. |
| simulation. | | | | |