Marine Log - February 2008 - (Page 56)

Opinion BY CAPTAIN ART SULZER February 2008 Vol. 113 No. 2 In search of a new generation of mariners T he search for the future generation of mariners is of a growing concern to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the maritime industry. Documentation and license renewal, an aging workforce, and—an area often over looked—the loss of awareness of our nations Maritime Heritage, are merely a few reasons for the growing concern over this missing generation. The American public has forgotten that we are an “Island Nation,” dependent on waterborne commerce for our daily needs. In years’ past, America’s seafarers came from countries or families with a seafaring tradition. These areas typically included Europe, the Caribbean or certain regions of Africa, Asia and the Pacific. At the mariner entry level, they were often first generation immigrants to the United States. Immigration policies of the 1990’s and security concerns and requirements for mariners to have citizenship have all reduced this supply of individuals. In the spirit of the American way, mariners, both officers and crew, want an easier, more and stable life for their children—this is not always achieved at sea. It is because of this, second and third generation mariners are not the norm. However, Maritime Heritage awareness, or lack there of, can be addressed and corrected through maritime education in our Primary and Secondary schools. MARAD GETS INVOLVED In 2001, the MarAd recognized that a shortage of mariners was starting to develop. A conference sponsored by MarAd and the U.S. Coast Guard titled “Maritime Careers Creating an Action Plan for Recruiting and Retaining American Mariners” and held at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Among the topics examined was “Public Education and Awareness of the Maritime Industry.” Since those meetings, unknown to many in the industry, the seeds sown have taken root and are flourishing maritime institutions at the primary and secondary education level. These schools have begun to educate and graduate a new generation of mariners from our cities. Currently there are about 16 marine or maritime themed, elementary, middle and high school open or opening in the U.S. These schools, located in major ports on the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific Coasts and on the Great Lakes, have an average of 350 students. The country needs to create a new generation of mariners, if not from immigrants or the children of mariners then from a new source of individuals through education and awareness. That group is the underserved urban students from our cities. A maritime education can provide the gateway it always has, to a career that offers steady employment, good pay, further education and a solid future. THE SCHOOLS They take several different forms, depending on their location, sponsor or mission. 1) Integrated: “Song of the Sea.” Maritime material is integrated into all state required courses where possible. The purpose of integration is to make students aware of the maritime history of our country and to get them familiar with nautical terms and customs. This approach will serve to open their minds and make them receptive toward considering a maritime course of study in the higher grades. 2) Vocational: The employment in various maritime industries requires specific USCG documentation that of itself requires specific training or sea service. The schools that offer this type of training to their students will prepare them to obtain the proper documentation prior to graduation, and to go to work upon graduation on a vessel or for a marine employer ashore. 3) Apprentice: These programs are similar to the vocational but they require, in addition to course work, a period of time be spent at sea or working with a maritime employer. These programs exist at both the high school and post secondary education levels. 4) Academic: These programs are the most similar to traditional high school programs they provide a strong academic base in math and science required by the maritime colleges or service academies. 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Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - February 2008

Marine Log - February 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Cruise Growth: Driven by Megaships and Europe Another Piece of the Short Sea Transport Puzzle Putting Together a More Advanced Jones Act Tanker Evolving Propulsion Options for Diesel Electric Ships In Search of Smarter Shipbuilding Seatrade Peview Events Newsmakers Tech News Contracts Website Directory Infodirect ML Marketplace Opinions

Marine Log - February 2008

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