While I may not be an expert, I know enough about the Merchant Marines (and standard college tuition rates), to know that this is a pretty incredible opportunity…and an even better deal. Think hard about whether or not you may know someone who should take advantage of this….before this ship sails. This program is currently being offered to help find qualified marine engineers as a shortage of such individuals is becoming evident.
To summarize…this program, created by American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union …is offering free training and tuition, room and board, travel expenses, medical insurance, an on-shore stipend, wages for time at sea, and more to qualified candidates to prepare them for a seafaring career. In just about 30 months, upon successful completion of the program and its phases, graduates will finish, qualified by the United States Coast Guard, and ready to sit for the Third Assistant Engineer exam. Upon passing the exam, a pretty sweet salary, a career at sea, and the opportunity to travel around the world, will be theirs.
Take a look at their brochure for much more information….and then share with someone who may be interested.
Also find more information at the link below…including an application
The application deadline for the class beginning in January of 2017 is August 8th, 2016.
https://www.star-center.com/techprogram/techprogram.html
Good Morning Gloucester 
I say this all the time to young kids that are trying to make money on the waterfront that just doesn’t have nearly the pay or benefits that the a Merchant Marines Provide. They end up making tremendous money and if they start in their twenties, before they know it time goes by and they have medical insurance and other benefits for life!
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For sure! And, while going to Mass or Maine Maritime, is a tremendous way to go…. this program allows them to bypass paying huge money for college tuition and still get great results. Totally a great option for the right kids!
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Don’t forget about the Great Lakes! “The fully accredited oceans” have plenty of career options- Go GLMA!
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Commenters above bingo on this and support all kinds of sea fearing operations come into the ports this way quite a bit! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
Little south west of us…
http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ports/2718/Korea_port:PYEONGTAEK
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