By Christy Wolyniak

Washington State’s maritime school, Seattle Maritime Academy throws students a line – providing maritime industry training and jobs.

Navigating a successful future begins and ends on the water for SMA students: living, breathing, and diving deep into the maritime industry.

The port city of Ballard sees thousands of anglers set sail each year in hopes for a good season, often reaping a healthy living while accepting obvious risks. For many, being away from family for months at a time can take its toll. As such, companies will often give employees shorter trips with time off in between.

As the industry is thriving, more young adults hungry for adventure and guaranteed cash are coming aboard commercial vessels.

Over the course of three 11-week quarters, SMA students are trained to become successful mariners. Students work towards certificate programs such as Marine Deck Technology and Marine Engineering Technology as well as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping).

Hands-on learning takes place as part of SMA graduation requirements – where students must spend a mandatory 30 to 90 days at sea aboard a commercial vessel.

The U.S. Coast Guard allows half of this time to be spent aboard the academy training ships, while the remainder can be spent aboard private sector companies as well as government and military agencies such as Military Sealift Command vessels.

These internships with potential future employers often launch students into their maritime career – one of which is estimated to become quite lucrative.

Unlike many undergraduate programs that leave students jobless with degree in hand, SMA students are guaranteed work in the maritime industry with a 95 percent graduation success from the program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to increase in and around major port cities due to rapidly increasing international trade. Water transportation occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

SMA alum, captain and Deck Instructor, Robert McDougall, said graduates can expect to make a minimum of $50-60,000 in their first year, shipping seven to eight months out of the year. This can increase up to $100,000 per year, with the additional luxury of reduced time at sea – perhaps only sailing for 6 months out of the year.

Upon graduation, these students will join the ranks of Ballard’s maritime legacy – equipped and prepared to navigate life at sea.