Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI) has announced plans to hold a competition that will identify the world’s most skilled ship handlers. The competition, to be held June 5 to June 7, 2009 in Fairhaven, Mass. will offer a total of $50,000 in prizes to the top three contestants. The International Shiphandling Championship will challenge contestants to demonstrate their skills in handling four different vessel types ranging in size from modern tugs to large containerships. Participants will face challenging ship handling scenarios on Northeast Maritime Transas simulators. First prize will be $30,000, second will be $15,000, and third will be $5,000.