Additional Courses
Online Learning
Seafarers now have educational opportunities through the Internet.
Eligible members of the SIU may now take courses online by registering with the Paul Hall Center Admissions Department as they would for classes on the Paul Hall Center campus. Once Seafarers have been accepted by Admissions, they will be directed to Dale Rausch in the Academic Department. Dale is the Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) administrator, the distance learning component for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education.
Online Courses Available
The following formal online courses are available:
- DOD Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Training
- MSC Environmental Awareness
- First Aid Preparation
- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System
- Hazardous Material Control and Management
- Hearing Conservation
- Heat Stress Management
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Shipboard Pest Management
- Respiratory Protection
- Back Safety
- Fixed Fire Fighting Systems
- Shipboard Fire Fighting
- Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Fire Fighting Equipment
- Shipboard Water Sanitation
- Crew Endurance Management
Eligible SIU members also have the opportunity to enroll in preparatory and refresher training online prior to coming to the Paul Hall Center. These programs allow students to brush up on their math skills and vocational vocabulary before enrolling in the more challenging resident upgrading classes. Two of these programs, Basic Culinary Skills and Chief Cook Preparation, will be very useful to Galley Ops and Chief Cook students as they study for final exams in their respective resident courses.
The following prep training is available:
- Basic Math Refresher
- Intermediate Math Refresher
- Marine Engineering Mathematics Preparation
- Introduction to Navigational Math
- Basic Culinary Skills
- Chief Cook Preparation Course
Students who are currently enrolled in resident classes at the Paul Hall Center are encouraged to enroll in CAL courses. Residential students should notify the Admissions Department of their interest in CAL and confirm their eligibility.
Academic Courses
The Academic Department has a long history of providing support and services to students at the Paul Hall Center. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to all students. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411.
General Education Program – High School Diploma
The GED program is open to all mariners who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school for many years has successfully prepared mariners to pass the test. For many students, this is a milestone in their lives. (A 12-week residency is required prior to taking the test in Maryland .)
Basic Vocational Support Program
The vocational support system assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathematical skills. It is designed to augment the skills introduced in their vocational training classes. This program may be taken prior to attending the vocational class or concurrently with the vocational class. It is ideal for those students who have been away from the classroom, need to improve basic academic skills or who are not native English speakers.
The Adult Basic Education assistance program (ABE) helps students improve their basic language, technical vocabulary and mathematical skills. These skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to avail themselves of support from the Academic Department through this program. Students may use this service while attending the Trainee program or attending upgrader classes.
The English as a Second Language assistance program helps students in Basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of this program is to give seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain more proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Tutoring is offered throughout the year for those students requiring additional instruction while attending vocational classes.
College Program
The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Students may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the center offers general education courses required for an associate’s degree. The school currently offers Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Nautical Science Technology (deck department students) or Marine Engineering Technology (engine department students). There also is a certificate program in maritime technology with concentrations in nautical science or marine engineering. All programs are designed to provide the opportunity for mariners to earn a college degree or certificate in their occupational areas and provide a solid academic foundation in general education subjects. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program.