“Crew dynamics is always an interesting subject. You meet 5-6 people for the first time and then cram into a living space that is roughly a 2-story, ~25’x60’ steel box with few windows (the “house” upon the boat”) and then yet set forth on a voyage for 30-50 days. You get to know some people really well, others just baffle you and make you scratch your head."
Do you see many transfers from State Maritime Schools?
I know of several state school cadets that are struggling with academics, regiment or life changes (birth of child) that may preclude them completing the 4-5 year program. For those who find themselves in that situation but remain interested in pursuing a career on the water, was wondering if this might provide a viable option.
Reason for asking is I work with our schools TRO (Training and Retention Officer) to help struggling cadets stick with the program. Where we are weak is in offering cadets options if they ultimately decide our school is not right them.
Do you see many transfers from State Maritime Schools?
I know of several state school cadets who are struggling with academics, regiment or life changes (birth of child) that may preclude them completing the 4-5 year program. For those who find themselves in that situation but remain interested in pursuing a career on the water, was wondering if Workboat Academy might be something for them to consider.
[ul]
[li]A general question for WBA-Guru.
[/li]
Do you see many transfers from State Maritime Schools?
I know of several state school cadets that are struggling with academics, regiment or life changes (birth of child) that may preclude them completing the 4-5 year program. For those who find themselves in that situation but remain interested in pursuing a career on the water, was wondering if this might provide a viable option.
Reason for asking is I work with our schools TRO (Training and Retention Officer) to help struggling cadets stick with the program. Where we are weak is in offering cadets options if they ultimately decide our school is not right them.
[li]Great question, thank you! The Workboat Academy has a great rapport with the State Maritime Academies; we recommend some of our candidates to them and vice versa. We appeal to a different audience than the State Academies and tend to be more suitable to candidates who have worked on vessels, have a lot of recreational boating experience, hold a college degree and are self-motivated. We also appeal to candidates who want a more hands-on approach and appreciate the two year time investment versus the 4 years. This being an apprenticeship program, it allows cadets to connect with their companies during their 360 days at sea and hopefully continue to work with the Partner Company once they have received their licence. (almost 90% of our cadets remain with the companies they apprenticed with) Please bear in mind that if you opt to enroll in the Workboat Academy, you will have to tajke the entire program. Since this is a USCG Workboat Academy approved program, you cannot transfer any of your courses previously taken.
[/li][li]Please feel free to contact me for further questions.
[/li][li]Marja van Pietersom
[/li][li]Assistant Director Workboat Academy
[/li][li]marja@workboatacademy.com
[/li][li]
[/li][/ul]
I finished the Workboat Academy a couple years ago and attended a state academy for 2 years a decade ago. I never met another person that had attended an academy previous to WBM program, but it is definitely a great option for a person looking for a career in the maritime field without attending an academy.
[QUOTE=Workboat_Academy-Guru;95994]The Workboat Academy offers a two year vocational maritime training program that provides intensive professional training to become an officer on Tugboats, Research Vessels and/or Offshore Supply Vessels.
There has been a substantial amount of discussion and views (over 5,000) on the topic of the Workboat Academy, however there really hasn’t been an authority on the program available to really answer the questions.
The Workboat Academy is absolutely not for everyone. The Hawsepipe and the Maritime Academies may be much better suited to you. That being said, in order for you to make an informed decision, I am opening up this discussion to answer any specific question you may have.
Gregg Trunnell
Director, Workboat Academy
Seattle, Baltimore, New Orleans[/QUOTE]
Mr. Trunnell, I have wanted to go to sea for all my life and when I read about the Workboat Academy, I became eager to learn more. As I understand, The Workboat Academy provides officers for the ships of Lindblad Expeditions. Would it be difficult to become a cadet on one of their ships? What do they look for in a cadet? I will soon receive my A.A. from Marion Military Institute and transfer to The College of William & Mary to complete my B.A. Would they find this desirable? I look forward to your reply. Tyler