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School Overview

Founded in 1967, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation.

Based in Piney Point, Md., the school is a hub of STCW training, featuring unsurpassed educational facilities and peaceful surroundings that facilitate learning. Among the school's most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (located on a nearby satellite campus) and the culinary lab.

The Paul Hall Center offers everything from entry training to license preparation to academic support and more. Students at the southern Maryland school also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses.

As vocational training for U.S. mariners seemingly becomes more important each year, the Paul Hall Center continues offering state-of-the-art schooling for Seafarers. An overview of the courses available at Piney Point (including the 70-plus Coast Guard-approved classes) is contained in an eight-page section in the printed version of the January 2008 LOG. Course descriptions also are listed on this site.

Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date class listings. Schedules also are available on this site.

The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 125 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of sea time in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold.

For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075, or call (301) 994-0010.