How have you spent your free time this winter?

I’m curious about what you said.

Did you mention that you’ve been resting? Did you mention that you’re taking time to reflect on what you want from the year? Do you ponder on how the winter affects your productivity and engagement?

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 reviews alternate powered workboats, and specifically the hydrogen powered towboat by the Elliott Bay Design Group.

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 is a recent announcement of the open application process for Dakota Creek Industries three-year paid apprenticeship program.

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 is a recent announcement of Gunderson Marine, Portland, Oregon, plans to open a training center this spring.

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 by the National Fisherman reviews the newly launched F/V Petten’s Legacy of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

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 by the American Maritime Partnership explains why the Jones Act is critical to the military strategy of the United States.

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 is an announcement of Fluid Motion, builder of Ranger Tugs, Cutwater and Solara, promotion of Sam Bisset from marketing director to vice president of marketing.

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 federal government’s handling of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) incidents aboard vessels.

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Read more about Yamaha Motor Co. Acquiring Torqeedo.

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.

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.

Most maritime employers will tell you they are doing everything possible to solve their labor shortage crisis. They are increasing wages, offering sign-on and retention bonuses, and career development and growth programs. But one resource they always fall short of is supporting and engaging the nonprofit maritime community in an impactful way. Not branching out of the comfortable maritime circles you have always operated in will continue to yield the same results. If you are truly committed to sustainability you need to appeal to a generation of people who value inclusion and purpose over the mighty dollar. Additionally, these nonprofit organizations are the boots on the ground every day promoting the maritime industry and encouraging people to take this career path.

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.

Learning about the diversity of water histories is intertwined into everything we do from the development of our educational curriculum to our consulting philosophy. Today we are going to delve deeper into how uplifting diverse water cultures is important for personal relationships with water, inspiring cultural appreciation and holistic understanding, healing generational trauma, reintegrating ancestral practices, and innovation.

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.

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.

When I became a mariner in 1998 it required very little of me. I needed sea days, I took a few tests and paid some fees, and puff I was a credentialed mariner! Upgrading was the same, more sea days, testing, fees, and done!

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.

Collaborative relationships in which a seasoned professional shares their knowledge, experience, insights, and resources with a less experienced individual, is known as mentorship. It’s not a new concept, but I do think it is something that isn’t talked about enough.

Embarking on a rewarding career in the maritime industry doesn't have to come at the cost of burdensome student debt. Nestled in Ballard, just a few minutes from downtown Seattle, is the Seattle Maritime Academy, where aspiring mariners find a path to success without the financial strain. With a commitment to delivering top-notch maritime education, this renowned institution offers students a chance to launch their careers in a thriving industry.