Professional Mariner Training (PMT)

Exciting news from the Chapman School of Seamanship and the USCG!

Enter into the Coast Guard as an E4 (Rank will be Petty Officer 3rd Class – $2,503*/month) instead of an E1 (Boot Camp – $1,773*/month). *does not include a housing allowance.
This immediate jump to E4 is significant and it stays with you your entire career with the time in rank for Promotion boards.

We are thrilled to announce a Letter of Intent (LOI) between the Chapman School of Seamanship and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). This pioneering agreement provides a direct recruitment pathway from our Professional Mariner Training program to the USCG and the United States Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR)!

Our dedicated graduates who’ve successfully completed the USCG accessions process and our formal curriculum will be eligible for direct enlistment as Boatswain Mate 3rd Class in the USCG or USCGR.

Great news! Any student who has completed the Professional Mariner Program in the past 5 years is eligible for this unique opportunity, subject to final eligibility determination by the USCG.

Here are some standout benefits of this lateral entry program:

1. Accelerated career progression
2. Reduced training time
3. Direct Entry Petty Officer Training (DEPOT) – just 3 weeks, instead of 8 weeks of boot camp
4. Skill gap fulfillment
5. Valuable leadership and management skills
6. Free medical, dental, and eye care coverage
7. Competitive salary
8. 30 days of paid vacation annually

This groundbreaking LOI signifies a monumental step forward in maritime education and training, fostering a seamless transition of our highly skilled graduates into the USCG ranks.

Lateral Entry Program is subject to final eligibility determination by the USCG.

For more information, please give us a call at (772) 283-8130 or fill out our contact form.

To qualify for admission, the student must be 18 years of age or older and in overall good health. The successful student must be able to use mathematical skills and the English language in order to fully benefit from the program. Foreign students should score at least 500 in the TOEFL exam or its equivalent.

A high school graduation, state secondary equivalency diploma (GED), or evidence of a student’s ability to benefit from instruction is required. Please have a copy of your high school, college, or previous training transcript sent to the Registrar.

Although previous experience can be helpful, it is not essential for successful completion of this program. Previous training and education will be evaluated and appropriate credit given.

The Enrollment Agreement must be completed and signed (by the parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the School along with the non-refundable $150.00 registration fee and the refundable Tuition Deposit. The balance of the Tuition is due 30 days prior to the start of class.

Class starting dates are listed in the program schedule. Students may enroll in this course through the third day of class. Students must have an official photo ID at the start of class. Once classes start, students may not change or downgrade to another program.

Every effort is made to provide as much attention as possible to individual student needs. Class enrollment varies from 10 to 20 depending on the time of year. The usual student/instructor ratio for boat handling is 5 to 1, or less.

Tuition & Fees

Student Housing

Description
Campus housing consists of dormitory apartments. Each apartment contains a bedroom, a convertible living room/bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and a covered porch. The number of students per unit during this program is a maximum of three. All apartments are air-conditioned, fully furnished, and equipped with a refrigerator, countertop range, and cooking utensils. Housing is offered on a space-available basis. The School is not responsible for the loss of any personal property. Sorry, no pets.

Housing Fees: (Shared Rate)

Please note that 2 days of the program will be conducted in Port Canaveral, FL.
Students must make their own housing arrangements for this period.

Housing Security Deposit & Refund

Student Responsibilities

Students are required to observe proper standards of personal conduct. Justification for dismissal from the School would include any action that would be considered offensive by the faculty, the student body, or the community at large.

Proper dress, including shoes, shirt, and pants or shorts must be worn in the classroom and Administration Building. Work clothes are recommended for shop and boat maintenance lab work. To safeguard against infection from minor scrapes or punctures, we suggest obtaining a current tetanus booster before arrival on campus.

Successfully passing the exams in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Communications Commission (FCC) & National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) standards will qualify the graduate for the following:

1. Certificate(s) which satisfy the USCG examination requirements for original issuance of a MMC as Master or Mate of Steam and Motor Vessels of Not More Than 100 GRT, (Inland or Near Coastal), Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel, Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, Commercial Assistance Towing Endorsement, STCW VI/1 Basic Training, STCW VI/6 Maritime Security Awareness & Able Seaman – “AB”.
2. FCC Marine Radio Operators Permit & NASBLA Safe Boating Certifications.
3. Sea Time for all boat handling components of the program. Sea Time will be credited as deck department sea service associated with bridge watch keeping duties under the supervision of the Master or qualified officer.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine his or her eligibility for the United States Coast Guard Licensing. For complete information on rules and forms, see the United States Coast Guard National Maritime Center website at: http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/ .

All licenses are issued by the United States Coast Guard to persons 18 years of age and older.

Foreign students may apply for USCG Licenses but will be limited to undocumented vessels.

Attendance Requirements

For 184 hours of the total program hours, covering; USCG STCW Basic Training; USCG up to 100 GRT License Preparation and testing; USCG Commercial Assistance Towing and Auxiliary Sail Endorsements; USCG Maritime Security Awareness; USCG Able Seaman “AB” and the FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit 100% attendance is required. For the remaining 176-hour portion of the program, 157 hours (89%) of attendance is required. These requirements are strictly enforced whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

Class Schedule

For all weeks 1-9 classes meet daily Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Unexcused Absences

More than 14 hours or (2) two full class days of unexcused absences in any 3-week period is considered excessive and may cause dismissal from the School. Veterans benefits are interrupted at this point.

Excused Absences

A request for absence must be submitted in writing by the student and approved by a member of the administrative staff prior to the absence, except in case of illness or other emergency. If the excused absence is during a testing period, the student must notify the instructor student promptly and arrangements made to take a makeup test.

Tardiness

Lateness for any part of an hour will be counted as a full hour of absence.

Leaves

A student who must take extensive leave beyond the allowed attendance policy limits due to special circumstances such as prolonged illness, family emergency, called to active duty, etc., will be permitted to re-enter at the phase of training that is identical to the one he or she left. Earlier phases of training may be repeated at no additional tuition cost as determined by the School. Veteran students must be terminated for pay purposes.

Re-Admittance Policy

If a student has been terminated for attendance reasons and can give evidence that the cause for poor attendance has been eliminated, the student may be re-admitted on a probationary basis for a three-week period. Seven hours or one full class day of unexcused absence during this period will result in termination. Veterans benefits may be resumed during the probationary period.

Grading Policy

Tests & Examinations

Examinations will be scheduled during each course. Instructors may average quizzes or other grades with the examination to determine each course grade. These grades may be reviewed by the student upon request.

Final Grade

The final program grade for the 360-hour program will be based on the weighted average of all of the course grades depending on the number of hours in each course. To qualify for graduation, the final average during this period must be a minimum of 70%.

Student Progress

All student records will be kept on file for viewing by the student and authorized parties.

A standard system of weighted percentages is used for recording student progress. To remain in good standing, a student must maintain an average of 70% or better.

If a student’s average falls below 70%, he or she may be permitted to continue in school for an additional time period established at the time of a progress report. During this time, the student is required to pass coursework with grades that will bring his or her average up to satisfactory. This period will be considered probationary. If grades are not brought up to passing, the student will be terminated for unsatisfactory progress. At this point, veterans benefits may be interrupted. Re-entry will be at the discretion of the School’s administration.

Requirements for Graduation

The Chapman School awards a Diploma. All attendance requirements must be met and any financial obligations to the School satisfied. A final average of 70% or better is required.

Job Search Assistance

An active job search assistance program is maintained with additional help being provided in preparing for job interviews and writing resumes. Assistance is afforded to those who maintain satisfactory academic progress and proper standards of personal conduct. The instructors and administration are consulted in these matters.

To enhance employment opportunities, students are encouraged to obtain a current passport and a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card prior to the beginning of class. The School has contact with employers in all major areas of the boating industry. These include charter and private yacht owners, offshore mineral and oil operations, maritime research organizations, sport fishermen, and local boat dealerships. Graduates who maintain an acceptable employment record are afforded this service on an ongoing basis. The School cannot guarantee job placement.

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