Gregg Trunnell, Director of the Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI), announced that their U.S. Coast Guard approved 500/1600 Ton Mate Program is scheduled to begin on May 30, 2006. Funding for this program is now available through the Veterans Administration for G.I. Benefits and from SLM Financial Corporation, a "Sallie Mae" Company. "The Mate Program is an innovative two-year training curriculum that is aimed at creating a larger pool of qualified Able-Seamen and Mates for the towing industry. The Program is organized so that every shore-based training phase is reinforced by an onboard training phase. This approach allows trainees to apply their new knowledge and skills on the job," said Gregg Trunnell.