"The Workboat Mate Program has become an important part of our recruiting and retention efforts. The work that MITAGS/PMI does to pre-screen the candidates for motivation and ability has proven to be superior to our previous efforts. The instruction, as reported by the cadets, is first rate. We are anxiously awaiting a comparable program on the engineering side." John P. King, Director Safety & Support Services, U.S. United Ocean Services

" Harley Marine Services is impressed and pleased with the three Workboat Academy Cadets that we have so far. HMS as a whole feels that this is a very worthwhile program and we want to do all we can to make it a success." Captain Scott Manley, Director of Marine Operations, Harley Marine Services

When I started my professional sea-going career at a large tugboat company in the 1980s, sailing as an able-seaman and mate, the main requirements for license upgrade were sea-time and passing an examination. The requirements have changed. The amount of training and number of examinations for a workboat mate's ticket has now increased to include numerous classes and certifications for anyone wishing to work their way up to the wheelhouse.

That's where the Workboat Academy at Pacific Maritime Institute comes in.

Over the years, as I upgraded my licenses, I ended up going to classes in Florida, Maine, Texas, California, and many other locations across the country to take the required courses. Today, the Workboat Academy's Workboat Mate Program offers mariners wanting to upgrade one convenient place to take all the required classes needed for a 500 Ton Mate (Oceans), a 1600 Ton Mate (Near Coastal), and a Mate of Towing Vessels (Oceans) - each with STCW endorsement. No more traveling around the country to find needed classes. At the Workboat Academy the courses are taught by experienced maritime professionals using the latest in nautical instruction technology - including a state of the art simulator. From my perspective as an actively sailing Master Mariner, the Workboat Mate Program helps bring much needed well-trained professionals into our industry.

'Till next time...I wish you all smooth sailin.'

Captain Kelly Sweeney

Master (Oceans, Any Gross Tons) Master of Towing Vessels (Oceans)

Author of the book: From the Bridge

Note: Signed copies of Captain Sweeney's book are available from Amazon.com.

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