The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) recently announced that a new cohort of future Washington State Ferries (WSF) deck officers has begun their two-year training at the school. The twelve participants were chosen from over 300 applicants and received full scholarships to the MITAGS Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP).
The MAP program combines classroom and simulator training at MITAGS-West’s Seattle campus with hands-on experience aboard WSF vessels. MITAGS said that over the next 24 months, these apprentices will prepare to step into roles within the ferry system, addressing a growing need for skilled mariners.
This group represents the fourth cohort of WSF apprentices trained through MITAGS and the second to benefit from the full scholarship program, first introduced in 2024. Beyond the two-year apprenticeship, MITAGS noted that the school also offers an accelerated “AB to Mate” program for experienced mariners. The six-month initiative equips Able Seafarers (AB) with the knowledge and skills needed to qualify for an Unlimited Inland Mate’s license.
MITAGS said that its MAP is one of the fastest paths to becoming a licensed deck officer in the U.S. maritime industry. The program caters to individuals with or without prior maritime experience, providing a direct route to obtaining a U.S. Coast Guard Mate’s license in just over two years. MITAGs highlighted that for aspiring mariners eyeing careers on ferries, tugs, or Great Lakes ships, the program offers a practical and efficient way to enter the field.
