1. What is the benefit of going through your program?The largest benefit may be the savings on the cost of training to meet the STCW requirements needed to sail on U.S.-flag deep water vessels. In addition, all students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed a first job with ‘B’ seniority.
2. How much money do I need up front to get started in the program?
Approximately $1,500.00. There are no scholarships available.
3. Who pays for my transportation to the school for Phase I and Phase III?
Students are required to provide their own transportation to the school for Phase I and Phase III.
4. Who pays for me to get to the ship for Phase II and back home after Phase II?
The shipping companies provide transportation to and from the ship.
5. Who pays for my transportation to return to school for my Phase III training?
Students are required to furnish their own transportation to return to the school for Phase III training. All students flying must fly into Baltimore Washington Airport and will be picked up there. Students may be driven to the school and dropped off. You may not keep your car at the school.
6. Who will I be rooming with? What are the living quarters like?
All students live in military style barracks with 25 students to a living area. Linens and towels are provided. Laundry facilities are provided for student use.
7. Am I paid during my training?
During training all students receive a stipend of $25.00 per week during Phase I and also during Phase III. For Phase II, apprentices will be paid at the negotiated apprentice rate which currently is $840.00 per month. Any overtime will be paid at the negotiated rate.
8. How do I pay my bills back home?
Any financial obligations you have must be handled prior to coming to school.
9. How soon after completing the training program can I come back to upgrade?
After you have completed all three phases of training and four months in your first entry job you are eligible to upgrade your skills in accordance with Coast Guard regulations.
10. May I get my GED while in training?
Yes, you may obtain your GED diploma while at the school.
11. May I call home and receive packages in the mail?
Yes, you may call home. Yes, you may receive packages. All packages will be inspected when opened by the UA.
12. May I have visitors?
Visitors’ day is the first Sunday of each month. Students must register all expected visitors at least two weeks in advance.
13. May I go home for the holidays?
No student is allowed to leave the campus for holidays that occur during training.
14. Am I allowed to bring my cell phone and laptop?
Students may bring cell phones and laptops to be used at prescribed times. The school will not be responsible for these items if damaged or lost.
15. How much physical activity is required?
The work of a seafarer is physically demanding, and requires a certain level of physical fitness. You should be aware that if you attend this program, upon arrival you will be evaluated to determine whether you are physically able to perform the essential tasks of a merchant mariner. This evaluation will include an assessment of your ability to climb ladders and stairs; your agility; your sense of balance; your ability to lift loads of at least 40 pounds; your ability crouch, kneel, crawl, and stand on your feet for extended periods; your manual dexterity; and your ability to use survival equipment. If you are physically unable to perform these essential tasks, you cannot work as a mariner on a ship. For this reason, you may be sent home to improve your fitness level if you cannot successfully perform these tasks upon arrival. In addition, as part of your training at the Paul Hall Center, you will be required to participate in regular fitness training.
16. May I get a part-time job while in training so I can send money back home?
You cannot work a job while enrolled in school.
17. Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas in accordance with state law.
18. Do I have insurance benefits while at the school and how long before I get enrolled in an insurance plan?
You do not become eligible for medical coverage until you complete 75 days on board your first ship that is assigned after completion of Phase III.
19. Can I take my own vitamins, Tylenol, etc.?
You may take any over-the-counter sold products that do not require a prescription. Any prescribed medications must be administered by the school nurse. You must have enough medication to last at least 8 months.
20. How much personal clothing should I bring?
You are to bring enough personal clothing that you will need on board ship. All personal clothing is turned in on arrival and reissued when you are assigned to a job on board vessel. Only the trainee-approved clothing may be worn while at school.
21. Can I have dentures or braces while in the program?
Yes.
22. Do I have to have my hair cut?
Yes, if you do not have it cut to regulation upon arrival we will have it cut for you by the school barber.
23. How long are the phases of training, and is there a break in training?
Phase I is 90 days. Phase II (shipboard training) is 90 days. Phase III is 45 days. Students must remain at the school while waiting for their Phase II assignments. Initially, all students can expect to be away from home for at least seven months.
There are possibly two breaks in training: one at the end of Phase II while you are waiting to return to school and another at the end of Phase III while you are waiting for an entry job.
Please note that in order to reduce time at the school waiting for a Phase II ship it is strongly recommended that each student obtain a merchant mariner document (MMD, also known as a z-card) from the U.S. Coast Guard prior to attending the school. In addition, be advised that as of April 15, 2009, all mariners are required to have a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) as well. Both of these documents are federally mandated. Students are required to possess a TWIC before arriving at the school for Phase I.
For information on how to obtain a merchant mariner document, visit the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime Center web site by clicking HERE
For information on how to obtain a TWIC, visit the Transportation Security Administration’s TWIC web site by clicking HERE
24. How old do you have to be?
Minimum age is 18. All students must meet Coast Guard criteria for a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document. If you have questions regarding the criteria to receive a document contact the U.S. Coast Guard for more information.
25. May I bring a stereo to school?
Only walkmans or personal players are allowed. Headphones are required. They may only be used when the rules allow.
26. May I carry money or currency at the school?
No.
27. How long are we in class each day?
8:00 a.m. – noon and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. All students will be assigned watches and detail that does not interfere with classes during the week and on weekends.
28. Will I be granted any special consideration?
No. All UAs are required to follow all the rules and regulations as outlined. In addition, all UAs are expected to perform all assigned detail to the best of their ability regardless of gender or age.
29. May I bring a knife for when I go on board ship?
Yes. It has to be turned in on arrival and it will be reissued when you are assigned a job.
30. How soon will I be scheduled for school?
Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis. The sooner your paperwork is complete the sooner a date can be provided for school. There is a waiting period.
31. How hard are the classes?
All students are required to read and comprehend math on at least an eighth-grade level to be admitted. Generally, if you are admitted you should have no problem with classes as long as you apply yourself.
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