For the past 13 years, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) has hosted more than 900 cadets from federal and state maritime academies to sail aboard its ships. This summer, more than 60 cadets will train aboard 28 U.S.
flag containerships and 4 pure car/truck carriers. Cadets will actively participate in all of the daily tasks necessary to safely and efficiently keep large commercial vessels working in international trade, while simultaneously fulfilling the United States Coast Guard (USCG) training requirements to obtain a license.
Throughout the year, MLL coordinates training opportunities for cadets from all major academies including Massachusetts Maritime, Maine Maritime, California Maritime, New York Maritime, Texas A&M Galveston, the Webb Institute of Technology and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Cadets will spend between 60 and 90 days participating in nearly every aspect of ship operations including mooring, cargo operations, navigation bridge and engine control room duty watches, main propulsion and auxiliary system maintenance and repairs and security drills. Cadets will be indoctrinated into the Companies Safety Management System and learn about onboard safety - a duty of care not only to themselves, but also to their shipmates. These cadets are future officers in training, and upon graduation, they may choose to join the American Maritime Officers, Master’s Mates and Pilots, or Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, whom MLL relies upon as the sources of its ships officers.
Additionally, MLL works with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) to provide opportunities for Unlicensed Apprentices (UAs) to sail aboard MLL vessels. The UAs gain similar real world hands-on experience as they satisfy at-sea requirements in order to complete USCG requirements, helping them qualify for ratings in the deck, engine, and steward departments.
“We feel the cadet shipping program is essential to prepare, educate and train these young mariners. These cadets are the future of the U.S. Merchant Marine and we encourage them to take this opportunity so one day they’ll hopefully be sailing for our organization,” said Dennis Houghton, MLL’s Director of Marine Personnel.
Throughout 2010, MLL provided over 160 federal and state academy cadets with training aboard its vessels, including more than 100 cadets from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. MLL also provided over 60 SIU unlicensed apprentices with training on our ships, an analogous training program for unlicensed mariners.
“We are honored to play a role in developing the next generation of America’s Merchant Mariners, and we are committed to providing a world-class training opportunity as they begin their careers,” said Mr. Houghton.