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