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Clatsop Community College - Career Programs in Maritime


Vessel Operations & Seamanship Education and USCG Certification & STCW Training in Astoria

clatsop community college

Established in 1958, Clatsop Community College is a public, two-year coeducational institution serving northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Instruction and training in liberal arts and sciences, professional technical fields, community education, developmental education, and general education are offered.

its high-quality, low-cost education serves a district that covers all of Clatsop County and part of Columbia County in Oregon, and Pacific and Wahkiakum Counties in Washington.

At Clatsop Community College you may earn a one-year certificate or two-year degree in a variety of fields leading directly to good careers or further education, or complete two years of lower division instruction that can be transferred to a four-year college or university, or enroll in classes, workshops and seminars which offer personal as well as occupational benefits.

Clatsop Community College Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station (MERTS) is a center for education in Maritime Science, coastal resources, environmental studies, scientific research training and Industrial and Manufacturing Technologies. Located on South Tongue Point east of Astoria, MERTS is the most comprehensive industrial and marine technology center in the Pacific Northwest.

The Maritime Science Department (MSD) offers specialized maritime training programs and courses. MSD offers training for individuals at entry skill levels and for mariners employed within the industry.

clatsop cc campus

Academic & Training Programs

Undergraduate Maritime Programs

  • AAS Degree in Vessel Operations (2 years): The Vessel Operations degree is designed for the person who intends to be employed in higher level positions within the maritime industry. This competency-based program will provide an individual with the requisite knowledge, skills, work habits and attitude to perform work on a vessel as an entry level deckhand. Job tasks include handling lines, performing routine vessel and gear maintenance, participating in drills, performing galley duties, standing watches, and becoming part of a working crew in a close quarter environment.
  • Certificate in Seamanship (1 year):  The Seamanship Certificate is designed for persons intending to work in an entry level position on maritime vessels. Individuals completing this competency-based training program will have the requisite knowledge, skills, work habits and attitude to perform work on a vessel in an entry level position.

Career Pathway Certificate

  • Career Pathway Seamanship Program: The Career Pathway Seamanship Program prepares students for entry level employment as a seaman in the maritime industry. Upon completion of this program, students will have the skills and knowledge to continue studies to complete the Seamanship One-year Certificate and/or Vessel Operations Associate of Applied Science Degree. This program will also assist students in obtaining the basic skills and knowledge to continue their studies towards the United States Coast Guard Able Seaman document exam. Those meeting USCG requirements and having the commensurate deck service time, may quality for a U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document.

USCG Approved Training

STCW Approved Training

  • Lifeboatman (PSC) (32 hours)
  • PSC Refresher
  • ARPA (32 hours)
  • GMDSS (70 hours)
  • Bridge Resource Management (24 hours)
  • Tankship Dangerous Liquids (40 hours)
  • Basic Training (40 hours)
  • Basic Training Refresher (24 hours)
  • RFPNW (32 hours)
  • Apprentice Mate Steersman Upgrade
  • Leadership & Managerial Skills

Clatsop College Features

The College district covers all of Clatsop County, bordered on the north by the Columbia River, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and nestled against the mountains of the Coast Range on the east. This magnificent natural landscape provides inspiration for the College’s art students and a living laboratory for its science students.

  • Campus: The College is located at the mouth of the Columbia River in historic Astoria, Oregon. In addition to the main campus, the College has a Performing Arts Center in Astoria and Marine and Integrated Manufacturing Technology training facilities east of Astoria along the Columbia River.
  • Accreditation: Clatsop Community College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
  • Credit for Prior Learning: You may earn college credit by documenting learning acquired through job experiences, travel, hobbies and family and civic responsibilities.
  • Transfer Credit: Coursework for which you earned a "C" or better grade from a regionally accredited institution may be accepted to meet degree or certificate requirements at Clatsop Community College.
  • Cooperative Education: Work Experience (Cooperative Education) is a nationally recognized program granting academic credit for various supervised internships. Work Experience staff advise you in the program and assist you with registration.
  • Career Services: Assistance with career planning, choosing a college major, and finding career-related internships is available to all CCC students.