Marine Log - March 2008 - (Page 32)

MARITIMESCHOOLS Currently there are about 16 marine or maritime themed, elementary, middle and high schools open or opening in the U.S. The average size of the schools is around 350 students. These schools are located around the country in major U.S. ports on the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Coasts as well as on the Great Lakes. There is, however, a difference between marine and maritime. The marine schools have programs that deal with oceanography, biology and marine sciences. These schools have generally been in operation since the 1990’s. The maritime schools focus on subjects, training and skills required to work as a crew member on a documented vessel. Additionally, several offer training to work in the maritime industry ashore such as a marina, shipyard or at a port facility. Besides these high schools, several community college and industry sponsored vocational schools have opened with programs for high school graduates. The schools all vary greatly in structure and can be divided into the following classifications. 1 ) I n t e g r a t e d This is what I call the “Song of the Sea.” The material is integrated into all state-required courses where possible. As an example, in 5th grade, the arrival of the pilgrims is covered in the American Government curriculum. The Pilgrim’s vessel Mayflower is mentioned and that is usually the last the students hear of it. In an integrated curriculum such topics as navigation, how they found their way here, how did they live aboard ship, etc., are expanded upon. In math classes navigation exam- ICE CLASS TANKERS WANT TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED WITH A MARITIME MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL? The Ship Operations Cooperative Program SOCP is sponsoring a two-day conference (April 1-2, 2008) titled, “ Maritime and Intermodal Education for Primary and Secondary Schools in America, Onboard to a future Career.” Visit the SOCP web site at www.socp.us to find out more. ples can be used to illustrate basic mathematic principals. The purpose of integration is to make students aware of the maritime history and to get them familiar with nautical terms and customs, bearing in mind these are mostly urban students with little or no previous marine exposure. 2 ) Vo c a t i o n a l The employment in various maritime industries requires specific USCG documentation that of itself requires specific training or sea service. The training and instructors must be Coast Guard approved. 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 ) A p p r e n t i c e The apprentice 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) A c a d e m i c Academic 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. Students take electives in navigation, seamanship or engineering. This program will give the students a leg up at college on classmates who are only being introduced to these maritime subjects at the collegiate level. There are several specific program types that are in use in various parts of the country, schools may use a mix depending on the interest and employment opportunities available in their region or city. 1 ) G e n e r a l M a r i t i m e S t u d i e s provide a broad overview of the various marine, maritime and intermodal careers. These programs are designed to spark an interest in the students to prepare themselves for entry to a specialized academic program upon graduation at a community college, vocational school or maritime college. 2 ) I n d u s t r y S p e c i f i c A particular industry i.e.: fishing, marina, or tugbarge operator may become involved with a school and sponsor/conduct specific training required for employment. 3 ) C o m p a n y S p e c i f i c A particular company, as an example; Northrop Grumman has a program with their Newport News Shipyard. The company may set up an apprentice program in the region or with a specific high school. The program will usually qualify students for entry to the shipyards apprentice program after graduation or for employment 32 MARINE LOG MARCH 2008 www.marinelog.com http://www.socp.us http://www.marinewinch.com http://www.marinewinch.com http://www.marinelog.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Marine Log - March 2008

Marine Log - March 2008 Contents Editorial Second Thoughts Update Inside Washington Navy's Toughest Battle Building Future Fleet Less Fuel, Lower Emissions A New Generation of Mariners Training for the Future LNG Security: Resources Needed Models of Perfection Tech News Newsmakers Contracts Events Infodirect Website Directory ML Marketplace Opinion

Marine Log - March 2008

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