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Paul Hall Center - Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship


AAS Degree, Unlicensed Apprentice Training, Upgrading & Licensing, Other Vocational Training and Education in Piney Point 

shlss paul hall center

Established in 1967, Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (SHLSS) at Paul Hall Center is a vocational school dedicated to preparing students for jobs in the deck, engine and steward departments as U.S. Merchant Mariners. Harry Lundeberg School provides entry-level training for individuals who wish to begin a seafaring career.

SHLSS also offers classes for experienced seafarers to help them to upgrade their skills and the passing of the U.S. Coast Guard examination for a Coast Guard endorsement in their subject area marks the completion of their training program. Upgraders in the special and non-endorsement programs complete their programs when they have met the requirements established by the Center and/or passed the school-administered certification examination.

The School is located on the campus of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The campus consists of more than 60 acres on the waterfront in Piney Point, Maryland, which is approximately 60 miles from Washington D.C.

The campus includes the SHLSS, as well as the Joseph Sacco Firefighting and Safety Training School; various classroom facilities, including a cooking lab for hands-on training and culinary demonstrations; the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum; marine simulation equipment; and the Seafarers Training and Recreation Center, which contains dining facilities, living quarters, and recreational and laundry facilities.

Hands-on-training is also conducted on board the Freedom Star, a vessel which is docked at the campus’s waterfront. Harry Lundeberg School also offers fully accredited degree programs in collaboration with College of Southern Maryland (CSM).

pau hall center campus topview

Professional training starts with basic or entry-level vocational education programs. The Unlicensed Apprentice Program offers the work ethic and abilities necessary for individuals to do their duties that are assigned aboard Seafarers International Union (SIU) contracted ships, tugboats and towboats. The upgrading programs provide experienced seafarers, who have the essential required sea-time, the chance keep pace with changes in the maritime sector, to advance their professional abilities and raise their earning potential.

The Harry Lundberg Scool is part of The Seafarers International Union (SIU), Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, AFL-CIO, represents unlicensed United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades.

Campus Location: 

Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
45353 St. George's Ave.
Piney Point, MD 20674-0075
Tel: (301) 994-0010

Training Programs

Apprentice Programs

  • Entry Level Unlicensed Apprentice (UA) Program: The purpose of the Unlicensed Apprentice (UA) Program is to train, guide and encourage men and women to make careers for themselves on the world’s oceans or on America’s network of coastal and inland waterways. The UA Program is recommended for individuals who wish to seek employment through the hiring halls affiliated with the Seafarers International Union. Read more
  • Department of Labor (DOL) Apprentice Program: This program includes apprentice training for the occupations of Fireman, Oiler and Watertender, Able Seafarer- Deck, and Chief Cook; thereby covering all three trades within the Union. The apprentice program is a competency based training program that meets the DOL Certification requirements.

Academic Programs

  • AAS Degree in Maritime Operations Technology with concentration in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering: The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship has partnered with the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) to offer an Associate of Applied Science degree program.
  • Students must complete a combination of required academic general education courses and vocational technical education courses in order to earn the degree. CSM will provide all of the general education courses and SHLSS will provide all of the technical courses required for the degree. All of the SHLSS technical courses have been evaluated and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) Apprentice Programs
  • Admission Requirements: Applicants must have completed all of the required SHLSS technical courses before applying for the program. All applicants must be members of the Seafarers International Union, and meet all of the basic admission requirements for Paul Hall Center resident courses. Applicant must possess a bona fide high school diploma or GED certificate.

Upgrading Training (Professional Seafarer Programs)

  • Continuing Education Upgrading Programs The continuing education upgrading programs provide experienced seafarers, who have the necessary required sea-time, the opportunity to advance their professional skills, keep pace with changes in the maritime industry and increase their earning potential. The course offerings in the upgrading programs include unlicensed and licensed ratings in the deck and engine departments to build professional competence in the highly skilled seafarers. Read more

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