MITAGS/PMI vs. MPT

**RASKP06** · July 16th, 2011, 07:16 PM

Hey all, I'm looking to start my classes for CM/M and was wondering if one training center was better than the other? Anybody have good or bad experiences with either that they'd wish share? Thanks in advance for the info.

**M_R_Thurman** · July 16th, 2011, 09:06 PM

Hmmm.... I'm relatively new to the industry, But I'm Going to assume that by MPT you are referring to Maritime Professional Training in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

When I left the Navy I was given approval to sit for my 3rd A/E license. However the NMC required a bunch of courses prior to issuing a license... Since I had no MMD and therefore no employer/union I was forced to attend these classes commercially.... I choose MPT because of their location and class schedule....

This is what I found... They are ridiculously expensive! Most classes hovered somewhere around the $1000/week mark.... I have friends in Harvard that don't pay that.... and I think in their classes they actually learn something...... However, In the defense of MPT... I didn't find anybody else that was much cheaper so I guess this is just the industry standard...

They have a fairly big school/operation going on..... Monday mornings are chaotic, Expect to wait up to 30 mins to get "checked-in" to your class if you show up with the rest of the crowd, (if you show up early you will miss all this and have a leisurely 30 minutes to drink coffee)...

There are a ton of Yachties there... Not a bad thing... Just a different breed.... I'd say probably 70% of the school comes from the private industry.

I took an STCW Class and Basic First aid there.... I wanted to Stab my eyes out in these classes.... The instructors were good, but the class was painfully slow and... once again... expensive.....

I also took my MED PIC there.... THIS WAS AN INCREDIBLE COARSE! Great instructor, and a great experiance... Well worth the money....

Furthermore, I took a 3 week 3rd A/E exam prep course there...(I do Realize you are going for CM.... Just adding my experience...) This also was an incredible course! I was more than a little hesitant to sit for my exam... Not only did I sit the week following this course, I completed all 5 of my modules in one day and passed every one the first time..... This was certainly because of the great instructor and what I picked up at MPT....

The staff is very friendly and accommodating... and willing to help in any way they can....

For lodging I used priceline to bid for hotels in the area (i had a car so I could venture out a little ways).... Priceline allowed me to bid $55/night in the Ft. Lauderdale airport area for a 4-Star hotel.... This would put me up in the Hyatt Regency off of Sterling.... This was a great hotel, at a great price and only a 5-10 min drive from the school...

So, In short... I had a good experience with MPT. The courses that were basic and for new people in the industry... Well they were just that, basic and for new people... My "professional" courses were very good and I guess in hindsight worth the money.....

Hope all my rambling helps...
-Matt

**Swampfox** · July 16th, 2011, 09:22 PM

You should look up or call Quality Maritime Training in St. Pete. The location isn't the same as Ft. Lauderdale, but the 2 main instructors are great. Both are Chief Mate Unlimited guys with several decades of experience between them. I took some classes at MPT, thought the simulator was cool, but the instructors at Quality seem to care about you a bit more. The classes are cheaper as well.

**Kingrobby** · July 16th, 2011, 10:37 PM

I took part of my Basic Safety Training class at MPT. It is too long, and it is too boring, but it is exactly how the USCG requires it. I have taken it in England as well & it still sucked. I thought the people in the office were very helpful whenever I asked a question. The reason there are so many yachties is because it is in the yacht capital of America. Great teachers though.

**gump** · July 17th, 2011, 03:13 PM

Having taken Chief Mate classes at MPT, MITAGS, and MAMA, I would have to say that my favorite was MITAGS. All of these schools have different things to offer, but MITAGS had the best facility, accomodations, and instructors in my opinion.

**Tom B** · July 18th, 2011, 08:30 AM

Its just a though but look at Delgado in New Orleans and Fletcher in Houma LA. I took some of my classes their cheep compaired to MPT and you can find some good deals on hotels in New Orleans. When it comes to test prep Bruce at Fletcher is good but the class is self paced and you end up taking more than 2 weeks to get through it. I was working a gig out their and had every other day off it took me 7 weeks of 2 days a week in class to test for my 500nc. Living in Texas those schools might be a better deal for you. Whlile your at it remember you will get what you want out of the classes if you try and want to get something out of them you will if you dont you will just get a certificate to turn in to the CG. While your at it check out Blue Whater in Jacksonville FL and if you call the small private schools like Blue Water tell them what your doing and that your willing to take say 4 classes with them some times they will work with you on the price. I know Houston Marine in New Orleans told me they would take 15% off my next class. I had to take BRM at Houston since no one else was offering it when I needed it. I hope this helps.

Tom

**RASKP06** · July 18th, 2011, 09:42 AM

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all of yall's insightful and extremely helpful information. I think all in all MPT may be the best option because they're offering a discount if you take all the CMM classes with them, and I have family in Ft Lauderdale that can put me up while I'm there(saving some serious $). I have also heard that Bruce from Fletcher is a miracle worker when it come to test prep, so I may spend a few weeks there just before I sit. Thanks again guys, it's always nice to hear first hand experiences.

**dougpine** · July 18th, 2011, 10:06 AM

Best wishes to you as you prep for CM/M. Keep us informed as to how it goes!

**anchorman** · July 18th, 2011, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by RASKP06

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all of yall's insightful and extremely helpful information. I think all in all MPT may be the best option because they're offering a discount if you take all the CMM classes with them, and I have family in Ft Lauderdale that can put me up while I'm there(saving some serious $). I have also heard that Bruce from Fletcher is a miracle worker when it come to test prep, so I may spend a few weeks there just before I sit. Thanks again guys, it's always nice to hear first hand experiences.

MITAGS is the better school in my opinion, but MPT has the better atmosphere. Good luck.