| Connaughton |
'To meet the growing demand for maritime jobs both at sea and ashore, we must begin to educate our next-generation workforce on the benefits of a maritime career,' said Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton, in a statement. 'This program will assist high schools across the United States in exposing students to the opportunities that exist in the maritime sector.'
MarAd noted that in 2005, BIMCO and the International Shipping Federation estimated a shortage of 10,000 officers, which is expected to increase to 27,000 by 2015. Current industry estimates vary widely, but all are higher, with some anticipating a shortage of 90,000 mariners by 2015.
MarAd said there are at least 18 maritime high schools that have begun operations in the United States in the last decade, and others are in the planning stages.
The new curriculum calls for students to take a hefty load of traditional high school science, math, English and other classes, along with one course each year that would introduce them to shipping, shipbuilding, ports and other areas related to marine transportation.
During their freshman year, students will gain a general understanding of the maritime industry, its history and the role the maritime sector plays in the everyday lives of Americans. During their sophomore year, students will be introduced to the various jobs across the maritime industry and the requirements necessary to work in the industry. In their junior and senior years, the students can choose a career path between the merchant marine, shipbuilding and repair, and port operations to ensure they receive specialized training in their desired career.
At the completion of the program, graduates could go directly to work for a shipyard or a maritime company or continue their education by attending a maritime academy, college, or trade school.
The curriculum outline is posted on MarAd's Web site: https://www.marad.dot.gov/documents/Maritime_High_School_Curriculum.pdf.
