Crowley recruiting, hiring U.S.-trained crews

Crowley recruiting, hiring U.S.-trained crews Crowley Maritime Corp. in Jacksonville said it has hired 21 graduates from U.S. merchant marine schools this spring, as part of a recruiting program designed to meet maritime industry crewing shortages.
   New hires are given additional, comprehensive training from Crowley to provide an introduction to the basics of towing and overall understanding of Crowley's procedures and safety programs.
   'This training has proven a valuable tool to build confidence in new academy graduates before subjecting them to what could otherwise be an overwhelming first day on the job,' said Tucker Gilliam, director of marine crewing and development.
   After the training period, new graduates sail for about one month under the guidance of senior officers.
   'Most training curriculums are focused on larger, deep sea vessels. However, the cadet shipping program that takes place on our oceangoing tugs offers cadets invaluable time at sea to gain exposure to towing fundamentals they cannot get in the classroom.' Gilliam said. 'As demand for officers has increased in the towing industry, Crowley is trying to help the maritime academies give cadets exposure to towing fundamentals in the classroom and on the water via cadet shipping. So far we have had good response from the schools and students and our recruiting program has been very successful.'