Wavebreaker Blog

Welcome to the Wavebreaker Blog.  Whether you are an experienced maritime professional, new to the industry or just looking to learn more, the Wavebreaker Blog is a great place to get industry updates and information, perspective pieces and insights about the industry.  We welcome your feedback too. If you’d like to write a post, let us know!  Send us an email with your feedback or interest in writing to marine.coe@skagit.edu

Industry News Kim Davis Industry News Kim Davis

BRIX Marine delivers shark diving boat

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Check out this article on the new 40-foot long by 14-foot beam high-tunnel catamaran shark diving boat. The vessel Kamohoali’i was built by local boatbuilder BRIX Marine located in Port Angeles.

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Industry News Kim Davis Industry News Kim Davis

Maritime Workforce Topic: Shortage of Mariners

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The following article addresses the current shortage of mariners in the maritime workforce and possible solutions.

Click on the following link for more information. Top 10 2023 News Story: Labor: A growing problem, January 10, 2024, WorkBoat.

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Industry News Kim Davis Industry News Kim Davis

Hybrid Electric Marine Research Vessel

Stationed at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory PNNL-Sequim campus, Research Vessel (RV) Resilience is the first hybrid vessel in the Department of Energy fleet. RV Resilience is able to operate on diesel engines or in a completely electric mode using onboard battery banks. These batteries can be charged with the diesel engines, at any marina, or through a rapid charging station at the PNNL-Sequim campus dock.

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Industry News Ricardo Ibarra Industry News Ricardo Ibarra

New Study Details Washington Maritime’s Economic Punch

The Washington Maritime Federation (WMF) released a study documenting the tremendous impact of maritime businesses and activities on Washington State’s economy. The average annual compensation in maritime-related jobs is $112,000 including benefits. The study details an industry that is a foundation of our state’s economy and a leader in innovation and sustainability.

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Industry News Kim Davis Industry News Kim Davis

Maritime Technology Topic: Ammonia 

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Technology will drive maritime workforce development and programming at all levels, ensuring student technicians, the current workforce, and faculty have access to relevant, standards-based curriculum and professional development opportunities. Click on the following link for more information.

Navigating Sustainability: Ammonia’s Potential for Maritime Shipping, October 17, 2023, Maritime Executive – this article discusses decarbonization efforts and the viability of ammonia as a fuel.

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Industry News Ricardo Ibarra Industry News Ricardo Ibarra

Seattle Colleges Wood Technology Center Receives Lowe’s Foundation Grant

Congratulations to the Wood Technology Center at Seattle Central College! The program is receiving a $750,000 grant through the Lowe’s Foundation. The grant will help support the training and preparation of students for the skilled trades. The Wood Technology Center at Seattle Central College offers several programs, including boat building/fine carpentry.

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