Workboat Mate (500/1600 GRT) & Unlimited Inland Mate Apprenticeship Programs at MITAGS
The Workboat Academy is offered by the Maritime Institute of Technology & Graduate Studies (MITAGS). Most vessels of less than 1600 Gross Register Tons (GRT) are considered workboats. Workboats are used to assist in waterfront construction projects, dredge to widen and deepen channels, assist with the docking/undocking of ships, transport critical crew and supplies to offshore locations, and haul Cargo from port to port via a barge towed astern or pushed ahead. Still more operations in the maritime industry depend on the special knowledge that comes with a 500-1600 GRT license such as some ferry boats, small cruise ships, underwater salvage vessels, and some research vessels.
The Workboat Academy program provides all of of the training and support you will need ot obtain a Mate's license. More importantly, it will give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to take on the duties and responsibilities of a Mate. The program is organized so that every shore-based training phase is reinforced by simulation and on-board training. This approach allows students to apply their new knowledge on the job. Furthermore each phase builds on the previous, so students develop their skills gradually and logically.
The Academy offers services and support such as - assistance establishing payment plans and veterans Benefits (if applicable); assistance completing U.S. Coast Guard forms and applications; comprehensive program orientation and support; assistance establishing relationships with company contacts and serves as the liaison for onboard training, and more.
Training Programs
Workboat Mate Program
- Workboat Mate (500/1600 GRT) Apprenticeship Program (Approx 2 years): This license will allow you to serve as a deck officer aboard towing vessels and other types of workboats. Companies currently hosting apprentices are: Centerline Logistics, Crowley Maritime, Foss Maritime, and Western Towboat.
- Most vessels of less than 1600 Gross Register Tons (GRT) are considered workboats. Workboats are used to assist in waterfront construction projects, dredge to widen and deepen channels, assist with the docking/undocking of ships, transport critical crew and supplies to offshore locations, and haul cargo from port to port via a barge towed astern or pushed ahead.
Unlimited Inland Mate Apprenticeship Program
- Grand River Navigation Apprenticeship Program (Approx 2 years): Grand River Navigation is home to the largest fleet operating on the Great Lakes today, transporting dry bulk commodities such as limestone, coal, iron, ore, salt and grain with bulk carriers and articulated tug and barge units.
- Washington State Ferry Apprenticeship Program (Aprox 2 years): The Washington State Ferry system is the largest in the U.S. and the second largest in the world, with a fleet of 21 auto-passenger vessels operating out of 20 terminals on 10 different routes in the Puget Sound.
- Officers with Unlimited Inland Mate licenses are required aboard two primary types of vessels; Ferries, such as those operated by Washington State, New York City, and the Delaware River and Bay Authority, and Freighters which carry ore and other bulk cargoes on the Great Lakes.