Houston is home to one of the world’s busiest ports, and with upcoming global events, traffic is expected to increase. The need for skilled maritime employees is becoming ever more apparent.
The Panama Canal expansion in 2014, coupled with an aging maritime workforce, unveils an anticipation of increased port traffic and an employee shortage across all skill levels.
“The Department of Labor estimates as much as a 20 percent increase in employment opportunities in maritime over the next few years, but we’re expecting a lot more than that here regionally,” said Capt. Mitch Schacter, director of the San Jacinto College maritime program. “Local companies are already experiencing a need to fill their workforce.”
Training the working mariner
Companies are sending their maritime crews to the College’s maritime training center in Pasadena for U.S. Coast Guard licensing and certification. The Center is guided and supported by an advisory committee of industry leaders with classroom and simulator instruction by some of the nation’s most experienced professional mariners.
The Center offers U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses in deck and engineering operations for original or upgraded certificates and licenses for new entry-level mariners, as well as operational and management-level professionals; in result, strengthening maritime companies and crew to become more competitive.
Steve Koska has already completed 19 maritime courses at San Jacinto College, including tankerman, basic safety training, 100 ton Master, and apprentice mate. The U.S. Coast Guard veteran is pursuing a career in one of three industries that include inland barge, deep water, and near coastal fleet.
“I’m one of those guys you would call a frequent flyer because I believe more training helps you move up in your career,” said Koska. “The Coast Guard gave me an impressive resume but did not provide me with the certification needed for the jobs.”
Besides San Jacinto College, which was close to home, Koska considered maritime schools in Florida and Virginia. After learning about the College’s partnerships and the experienced instructors, his decision was made.
“I’m really enjoying the San Jacinto College maritime courses, and the instructors are always willing to take the extra step in helping to explain the curriculum, which is often very technical and precise,” said Koska. “I’m excited about the future of this program.”
In the coming years, a San Jacinto College maritime facility will be built on 13 waterfront acres along the Port of Houston to house multiple classrooms, engineering labs, RADAR, ARPA (Automatic Radar Positioning Aid), ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System), GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), and advanced navigation labs together with the industry’s newest interactive, full mission ship, towboat, and tugboat simulators.
Rear Admiral William W. Pickavance, Jr., has joined San Jacinto College as a consultant to assist with the development of the facility. Pickavance, who served 32 years as a commissioned officer with the U.S. Navy, served as superintendent of the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) prior to joining the College.
Preparing the next workforce generation
The College also offers the state’s first Associate of Applied Science in Maritime Technology, with courses customized specifically for the needs of surrounding maritime companies. This program is for those interested in working on a vessel in an operations capacity.
“The Associate of Applied Science in Maritime Technology is geared toward those who want to combine a maritime career with a college degree,” said Michael Kane, dean of business and technology at the San Jacinto College Central Campus. “It’s a great opportunity for those who have no prior experience and who want a degree for future promotional opportunities.”
Curriculum includes courses such as basic safety training, deck familiarization, crowd and crisis management, tank familiarization, engineering familiarization, able-bodied seaman, vessel security officer, 100 ton Master, 200 ton Master and Apprentice Mate, radar observer unlimited, and emergency procedures. Students may finish the certificate program within a year and either work or continue on for their degree and the option to transfer to a four-year university.
“Because so many in our workforce are aging, we’re expecting an increase in retirements, especially from the senior-level personnel,” said Capt. Mitch Schacter. “Those in entry-level and mid-level positions will need the training to move up, opening up more positions for new personnel.”
Training professionals for the world of increasing international trade
As maritime shipping continues to be a vital element in the international business arena of logistics and supply chain management, the College’s North Campus offers the Associate of Applied Science in International Business, Logistics and Maritime. Many students, who already have established careers in other industries, are interested in pursuing careers in logistics due to high demand.
“People are approaching me looking to make a career change,” said MaryKate Flanagan, director of the international business, logistics and maritime program. “I have students from all over the world who want to know how to start their own business. They’re interested in learning about global commerce, which involves international trade such as import/export management.”
Flanagan explained how logistics starts with a contract between importer and exporter, and as they come to an agreement, a legal contract is formed. “Logistics is about what all is involved in the import and export process of the maritime industry,” Flanagan added.
Shoroq Alvarez, a student working toward a degree in international business, logistics, and maritime, already has experience working as a logistics coordinator in Iraq, and now as a shipping and receiving clerk for Kroger. However, she knew she needed more education in the field to land a job in the petrochemical industry.
“I am learning so much on subjects like inbound and outbound logistics, transportation, and agents and distributors,” said Alvarez. “I know this program can help me find a better job with an oil company.
Courses in the international business, logistics, and maritime program prepare students for careers in import-export management; international marketing and sales; marine insurance; freight forwarding and customs bond warehousing; tanker vessel management; cargo routing and distribution; port and facilities operations; air, truck, rail and ocean (multimodal) transportation; international banking and exchange currency transactions; and oil and gas/offshore logistics operations.
Flanagan said government agencies consider the College’s training program some of the best and often have opportunities with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal and state departments. Students gain internships and hands-on experience with companies in the Greater Houston Area and network with industry executives at monthly luncheons and special events throughout the year.
Graduates also have the option of transferring to the Maritime Transportation Management and Security program at Texas Southern University, or to the University of Houston – College of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
Another partnership the College holds is an articulation agreement with Texas A&M University at Galveston for students who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration. The ships and shipping course at the College’s South Campus allows students to take advantage of the agreement after earning an associate degree in business administration. The course introduces students to shipboard nomenclature, types of vessels, shipbuilding, navigation, methods of cargo handling, rules of the road, maritime trade and regulation, as well as weather patterns and the impact on vessel operations.
For more information about the maritime program, visit our website or call 281-998-6150.
Jeannie Peng-Armao