The unlicensed apprentice (UA) program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has been a staple of the Piney Point, Md. facility since it opened in 1967.By design and necessity, the program has evolved consistently in order to help the school continue fulfilling its mission of turning out the world’s best-trained mariners.
Today, the apprentice program consists of multiple phases—all U.S. Coast Guard-approved—that blend practical training with classroom instruction. One of the more useful components is Phase II—a 90-day period in which students sail aboard a U.S.-flag vessel, alternately working in each of the three shipboard departments.
Mariners and instructors alike have pointed to Phase II as an important reason why students who complete the entire UA program are likely to remain in the industry. According to Paul Hall Center officials, more than 75 percent of students who graduate from the program still are sailing four years later (the most recent calculation made by the school).
Companies participating in Phase II include NCL America, Alaska Tanker Company, American Steamship, Hannah Marine, Liberty Maritime, Interocean American Shipping, Ocean Ships, Horizon Lines, Overseas Shipholding Group, Marine Transport Lines, Intrepid Marine Management, Crowley, Maritrans, and Allied Towing of Virginia.
While the shipboard training has proven successful, Phase I, at the school itself, lays the foundation for becoming a mariner. This phase also lasts three months and includes the following training: vessel familiarization; STCW basic safety training (BST); basic fire fighting; first aid; water survival; vessel operations; and social responsibilities.
During Phase III (which also takes place in Piney Point), students begin to specialize their training. Deck personnel head to courses titled (respectively) specially trained ordinary seaman and tankship familiarization/dangerous liquids, while engine department mariners enroll in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. Those who choose the steward department take four weeks of upgrader-level galley operations.
Completion of Phase III is considered official graduation, but the school doesn’t abandon students after that point. What is considered Phase IV consists of an additional four months’ sea service, followed by the appropriate upgrading course (able seaman, for instance).
For additional information about the program, call toll-free at 1-877-235-3275 or visit the Paul Hall Center section of this web site (click here for additional, general information on the program or here for an FAQ).
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