As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. The following Skagit Valley College press release is in reference to the announcement by The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) designation of the Pacific Northwest Maritime Education Alliance (PAC Maritime) among 32 entities designated as Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (COE).

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 looking at alternative methods to increase productivity in U.S. shipyards.

A maritime career often involves navigating the complexities of balancing personal life and professional pursuits. Recently, I made the decision to renew my mariner credential after 17 years working shoreside. As a result, I find myself essentially starting anew in this field. Fortunately, my decades of experience in the maritime industry have equipped me with the knowledge required to reinstate my MMC (Merchant Mariner Credential).

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship earned approval to move forward to “Permanent Status” at the January 2024 quarterly meeting of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, a division of Washington State Labor and Industries. Moving from provisional to Permanent Status provides official long-term certification and recognition for the new registered apprenticeship - Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship.

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 the announcement of Steve Nevey to head the nation’s largest ferry system.

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 about the Working Waterfront Act being introduced by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski.

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.