Licensing and training – Professional Mariner

05 Nov

Colonna’s Shipyard opens new Trades Training Building

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(NORFOLK, Va.) — Colonna’s Shipyard celebrated the opening of its new Trades Training Building last week, marking a major investment in workforce development and regional industry innovation. The project is part of Colonna’s ongoing commitment to reinvest in its facilities and people, following more than $150 million in infrastructure and workforce investments since 2016. The new 9,000-square-foot facility, located on…

03 Nov

NMC extends mitigation efforts as shutdown continues

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, NMC, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — The National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) remain closed due to the federal government shutdown. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. To mitigate the impact caused by the government shutdown, the NMC has implemented the following measures: • Email submission of applications and supporting…

03 Nov

‘Clear warning sign’ as seafarers’ happiness deteriorates

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(LONDON) — The latest Seafarers Happiness Index (SHI) from The Mission to Seafarers reveal a significant downturn in seafarer well-being, raising concerns about worsening working and living conditions at sea after a period of encouraging improvement earlier this year. The average happiness level among seafarers fell to 7.05 out of 10 in the third quarter of 2025, a sharp decline…

27 Oct

Ransomware still top maritime cyber threat, ABS analyst says

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsCyberthreats, Licensing and training, Security

(SPRING, Texas) — Maritime operations run on tight schedules and thin margins, and as ships, terminals and supply chains connect systems for visibility and efficiency, attackers gain paths to entry. Cyber risk has become an operational reliability and safety concern, not just an information technology (IT) issue. “Whether we are looking at this challenge through an operational or organizational safety…

27 Oct

Webb Institute honors Dr. James Chao for maritime leadership

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(GLEN COVE, N.Y.) — Webb Institute has awarded Dr. James S.C. Chao, founder and chairman of Foremost Group, an honorary doctor of science degree in recognition of his visionary leadership in the global maritime industry and his profound commitment to education, philanthropy and sustainability. The ceremony was held on Webb’s Glen Cove campus before the board of trustees, students, and…

01 Oct

NMC, exam centers closed due to government shutdown

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, U.S. Coast Guard

(MARTINSBURG, W.Va.) — Due to the government shutdown, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are closed until further notice. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are canceled. The following limited operations will be maintained in support of national defense requirements: • The NMC Customer Service Center will be…

19 Sep

Wiernicki, Crowley, Maine Maritime among NAMEPA award winners

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsEnvironment, Licensing and training

(NEW YORK) — The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Marine Environment Protection (MEP) Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that are advancing maritime sustainability through leadership, innovation and dedicated service. For nearly two decades, NAMEPA’s MEP Awards have recognized model individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting the marine environment. This year’s winners…

08 Sep

U.S. launches international initiative to train shipbuilders

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(WASHINGTON) — The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $8 million in funding to reinvigorate the U.S. shipbuilding industry, a key part of the department’s efforts to usher in a new era of American worker dominance in global supply chains. The project will connect U.S. technical education centers and community colleges with similar training programs…

27 Aug

Hanwha Philly christens Maine Maritime training ship

Professional Mariner StaffMaritime NewsLicensing and training, shipbuilding

(PHILADELPHIA) — U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on Tuesday celebrated the christening of State of Maine, the third of five national security multi-mission vessels (NSMVs), at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. Built for Maine Maritime Academy, State of Maine will serve as a next-generation training ship, supporting both the academic development of cadets and America’s humanitarian relief. Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of…

12 Aug

Barrere, Hanley, Marino to be honored with AOTOS Awards

Professional Mariner StaffIndustry NewsLicensing and training, shipping

(NEW YORK) — The United Seamen’s Service (USS) has announced that the 56th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards will honor three champions of American maritime: Capt. Willie Barrere, national president of American Maritime Officers; Edward Hanley, chief operating officer of Maersk Line Ltd., and Vincent Marino, chief executive officer of CMC-ITI-CCS. A special recognition plaque will be…