28 Jun

MITAGS-PMI selected to assist Washington State pilot applicants

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Licensing & Training
Gregg Trunnell, Director of Pacific Maritime Institute announced that MITAGS-PMI, in partnership with Progeny Systems Corporation, was selected by the Washington State Board of Pilotage Commissioners (BPC) to develop simulation exercises as part of a comprehensive examination and assessment of potential candidates to enter the state’s training program.       “Utilizing simulation to assist in the Pilot Candidate selection process,…
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Kakuska: NMC’s sea-time evaluations need improvement
26 Jun

Kakuska: NMC’s sea-time evaluations need improvement

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Licensing & Training
As your ship arrives in port after an extremely lengthy voyage, your thoughts revolve around your family and a well-deserved rest. On a smaller yet very significant scale, you ponder your next merchant mariner credential upgrade. You volunteered for an extended shipboard tour to ensure you possessed sufficient sea service to qualify for that elusive upgrade.  Thoughts of added responsibility…
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Ex-Army Ranger named superintendent at USMMA
25 Jun

Ex-Army Ranger named superintendent at USMMA

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry News, Licensing & Training, Maritime News
The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Maritime Administration: (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today named Colonel (ret.) James Helis, Ph.D., as the new superintendent for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.  Helis, a 30-year Army veteran, will begin work at the Academy next month after spending the past eight years as a…
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Rule changes bring need for more fire training, safety equipment
24 Apr

Rule changes bring need for more fire training, safety equipment

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training, Maritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner
Maritime training schools are helping vessel operators and mariners gear up for new regulations pertaining to fire safety and equipment, with many operators opting for clean-agent systems as the move away from halon continues as an onboard fire suppressant. New standards for fire protection and training have been proposed on two fronts: for towing vessels and towing vessel personnel in…
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28 Mar

STCW amendments to force 'big shift' in ECDIS training

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training, Maritime News, Publication > Professional Mariner, Tugboats & Towing
Though mariners face new certification requirements for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) this year, the maritime industry may not be ready to provide the training to meet them. Those affected by revisions to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) that took effect Jan. 1 are clamoring for more information, but the…
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19 Dec

Cal Maritime’s 2012 Summer Training Cruise Itinerary Announced

Professional Mariner StaffLicensing & Training
(Vallejo, CA — December 13, 2011) — The California Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), a campus of The California State University, today announced the itinerary for its 2012 training cruise. The annual training voyage, which is part of the specialized curriculum offered at Cal Maritime, provides students who are pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard license with the hours of sea experience…
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