Seattle Maritime Academy

[flever9]

Greetings all,

I am looking for some insight. Recent knowledge and pros and cons for this school program? Job outlook for grads from Seattle? Acceptance in the mariner community? Cost benefit analysis, vs hawespipe route(nearly impossible to get initially hired with OS right now) vs academy route. Also time analysis. I can do academy, but I am 43. I am extremely fit and youthful. I have a BS in Business and have near acceptance at SUNY Maritime Grad prog. Could get into others but I want to start training asap. 2.5 yrs to complete SUNY or Maine but would have to start next year. I am accepted as Seattle Maritime and can start end of september. One year program grad w/ seatime, internship, well here's their whole spiel for program outcome (I have looked in Piney Point but at Maine Maritime friend and Master said there is much corruption and favoritism there, no offense) link; http://seattlecentral.edu/programs/marinedeck.php

Here it is. THanks to all who reply!!

Seattle Maritime Academy is offering the Marine Deck Technology curriculum as a 61-64-credit program. Students successfully completing this rigorous program will be awarded a certificate in Marine Deck Technology from Seattle Central Community College. Each graduate who successfully completes the program receives eight months of sea service credit towards a license as Master of Inland Steam or Motor Vessels of Not More Than 100 Gross Tons, or eight months of sea service credit towards a license as Mate of Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Not More Than 200 Gross Tons. This sea service credit is 2/3 of the total required sea service for these licenses. By completing this program, the student also receives 8 months sea service credit towards an Able Seaman-Special endorsement or one-third of the required sea service credit for any other Able Seaman endorsement. Graduates satisfy both the written and practical examination requirements for both the Able Seaman and the Lifeboatman endorsements. Students will receive the Lifeboatman endorsement at graduation. The Marine Deck Technology Certificate Program also qualifies each graduate for an STCW "ratings forming part of a navigational watch" endorsement.
Students receive 6 months sea service credit towards a license as Apprentice Mate (Steersman) of Near Coastal Uninspected Towing Vessels. By interning for 90 days instead of 30 days, students without previous sea service will have enough sea time for AB-Special at graduation

[Sf_deckhand]

If I may tag along with this question, I have been looking at the Engineering side program at Seattle Maritime, and would love to hear people's opinions of it.

Its around a year long program, full time (plus some sea time), and you graduate with a QMED with Electrician, Oiler, Pumpman, Refrigerating Engineer, and Junior Engineer ratings.

Sweet. Hope this addition doesn't co-opt the thread from the original poster.

Thanks.

[flever9]

Sf deckhand,

U thinking of attending this fall. Program starts Sept 29th.

Keep in touch! Give me a shout

[Capt. Fran]

I'm sure the training is just fine, but I think it is a lot of money to spend to just get an AB and a 100 ton license.
You can get a job (even in this economy) as an entry level deckhand on any little passenger vessel (Cruise West, Lindblad, American Safari, American Canadian Cruiseline, not to mention all the day only operators), get your sea time and then go to short "in-lieu-of-exam" courses to get a 100 ton and AB. You'd get paid while sailing (albeit not much) and ultimately spend a lot less money.
My advice:
Go take BST, then get on with one of the aforementioned companies. When you have the right amount of seatime, go take an AB in lieu of exam (you can get an AB special or limited) and sail on that for a bit. Then, when you have the right amount of seatime, take a 100 ton in lieu of exam course and sail on that for a bit. Then, if you want to move up to 500 ton Mate (which you can on all those little 99 ton passenger ships, you've got a lot of money saved up for all the OICNW courses you need to take.

[Capt. Fran]

If I may tag along with this question, I have been looking at the Engineering side program at Seattle Maritime, and would love to hear people's opinions of it.

Its around a year long program, full time (plus some sea time), and you graduate with a QMED with Electrician, Oiler, Pumpman, Refrigerating Engineer, and Junior Engineer ratings.

Sweet. Hope this addition doesn't co-opt the thread from the original poster.

Thanks.

Engineering is a whole 'nother matter, thought. I've heard nothing but great things about this program (I've sailed with several of SMA's engineering graduates), and there is a genuine shortage of engineers right now. So, that is money very well spent.

[flever9]

Capt Fran,

Thanks for the advice! As far as the job hunting. I have taken BST at Maine Maritime. Have TWIC, Passport etc, Every company you listed, (and many more) I have applied to and not even an email, letter or call acknowledging receipt of the application/resume. I have quite a few skills that cross over to thier businesses as well.

I am sure it is a questionn of getting the first job. Much like the brewing business that I entered years ago, after the first job the rest came a little easier. Of course, I do not live near where the jobs are at. You would think that on the coast of Maine there would be more seagoing jobs of any sort, but that is not the case.

You say pass on the deck program but do take the engineering route. I certainly have the skills and could do either.

I have great references and anyplace I have ever worked I move up fast, and no employer has ever wanted to see me go. (maybe a few should've treated me better! lol)

Any job leads??

THanks again!

Cheers

Any job leads?

[Steamer]

As an unlimited chief engineer and former engineering instructor at SMA I can attest to the quality of training and benefits the school offers. It's an excellent starting point for someone seeking a career in the workboat industry or as an unlicensed mariner in the deepsea fleet.

If you already have a degree you may find the SUNY* route a much more satisfying experience. While 2-1/2 years might sound like a long time it will pass very quickly, and if you choose engineering, you will enter the industry with qualifications and certifications that offer you more than seagoing opportunities. Under the new licensing scheme you will advance quickly from 3rd A/E and build a resume that is valuable across the entire maritime and associated industries.

If you try and crawl through the hawsepipe you will certainly spend several years beyond 2-1/2 just trying to catch up and you will spend a moderate sized fortune buying the training you need to obtain a license. You might find the experience frustrating and discouraging at this point in your life with your experience and education.

* My advice would be to talk to the folks at Cal Maritime and see what you can do there. I don't wish to stir up a hornet's nest but I would stay away from the northeastern schools (except Kings Point of course)

[New3M]

Aww c'mon our northeastern schools are the best!

Just so you know, I don't believe that there is a Master's engineering program at SUNY just yet. I know they are trying to create one, but for now, the only grad-license program there is with a deck license. And I believe they shortened the grad program to 2 years and you're done in the summer.

[Tashtego]

What sort of degree do you hold? If it is one a few specific types (electrical, mechanical) from an accredited university you may be able to write a 3rd Assistant Engineer's license with just 6 months of sea time as a wiper. This is a not-often used rule in the CFRs (Title 46, Chapter I)

Sec. 10.516 Service requirements for third assistant engineer of
steam and/or motor vessels.

(a) The minimum service required to qualify an applicant for license
as third assistant engineer of steam and/or motor vessels is:
(1) Three years of service in the engineroom of vessels, two years
of which must have been as a qualified member of the engine department;
(2) Three years of service as an apprentice to the machinist trade
engaged in the construction or repair of marine, locomotive, or
stationary engines, together with one year service in the engineroom as
oiler, watertender, or junior engineer;
(3) Graduation from:
(i) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (engineering curriculum);
(ii) The U.S. Coast Guard Academy and completion of an on-board
engineer officer qualification program required by the service;
(iii) The U.S. Naval Academy and completion of an on-board engineer
officer qualification program required by the service;
(iv) The engineering class of a Maritime Academy approved by and
conducted under the rules prescribed by the Maritime Administrator and
listed in part 310 of this title;
(4) Graduation from the marine engineering course of a school of
technology accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and
Technology, together with three months of service in the engine
department of steam or motor vessels;
(5) Graduation from the mechanical or electrical engineering course
of a school of technology accredited by the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology, together with six months of service in the
engine department of steam or motor vessels

It only applies to an engineer's license, but if that is or any interest to you this may be the shortest route to an unlimited 3/A license.

Good luck.

[flever9]

Thanks again to everyone for their input. HOWEVER, the conversation has digressed a bit from the inital post.

I am looking for input and insight to Seatlle MAritime Academy!! People who went there. People who have worked with grads. Also, take a look a my background and skills(flever9) and maybe give mesome advice. I am lloking at Deck not engineering, although I have the skills to do the engineering curriculum.

THE ECONOMY SEEMS TO BE IMPROVING!! KEEP OUR COLLECTIVE FINGERS CROSSED!

[Steamer]

Well, then reread post #7 and just ignore the clause beginning with "if you choose engineering."