Toledo Maritime Academy Launches Cruise & BST Training

press release January 23, 2012

Cruise Ship Professional Development and STCW Basic Safety Training Begins Monday.

Renee Marazon, CEO, The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation, said today that the new Cruise Ship Professional Development Training and the U.S. Coast Guard approved Basic Safety Training Programs begin Monday, January 23, 2012 at The Maritime Training and Education Center at 803 Water St. The Cruise Ship Professional Development Training will acquaint applicants with career opportunities, lifestyle, and the overall work environment aboard cruise ships.

“While this training program will address cruise ship jobs, we will also introduce applicants to other career opportunities in the maritime industry, such as working for the Military Sealift Command which moves goods around the world for U.S. armed services at sea,” said Ms. Marazon. The STCW Basic Safety training is a U.S. Coast Guard requirement for anyone working in the maritime industry. The training involves personal survival skills, first aid, CPR, personal safety and social responsibility, and basic firefighting techniques.

“In light of the cruise ship tragedy in Italy, we cannot say enough about the need to be properly trained to address any crisis situation at sea or on the Great Lakes,” Ms. Marazon said. “Our applicants will learn not only basic safety training, but will also receive training in crowd control, crisis management, and cruise ship fundamentals.” Since November, over 100 people expressed interest in learning more about the two-week training programs. Ten applicants have been qualified for these first classes. “Our qualification process helps us and the applicants determine if a cruise ship job or other maritime industry job is right for them. We reviewed work history, lifestyle, physical fitness, background, drug and alcohol use, the applicant’s occupational goals, as well as their ability to complete the two weeks of training,” she said.

After completing the training, a successful applicant will have required certifications which include a passport; Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC); and Merchant Marine Credential (MMC). “We are very excited at the launching of these two programs,” said Ms. Marazon. “These two programs are the first steps towards repositioning Toledo and our facility as a leader in maritime job training and re-certification.” Curriculum and training will be the responsibility of Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Kleinboemer, who was named Director of the Foundation in December. He expected to oversee course development and curriculum for several maritime adult job training programs as well as recertification programs for those already in the maritime industry.

Mr. Kleiboemer started his maritime career in 1998 when he joined the U.S. Navy. While serving, he began his career as a deck officer aboard USS Peleliu, and then later as the Operations Officer aboard USS Detroit. From 2002 – 2004 he served as Academic Dean and Lead Navigation Instructor for Naval Science Institute. From 2006 – 2007 he served as Anti-Terrorism/Force Protect Instructor Training Program Manager for Military Sealift Fleet Support Command. In 2007 he moved to Military Sealift Command Headquarters where he was Curriculum Manager continuing to work extensively in maritime training. He has eight years active duty experience as both a Surface Warfare Officer and as a Strategic Sealift Officer. He is also a merchant marine officer (Second Mate) with extensive maritime experience. He also holds the rank of Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy, Strategic Sealift Officer Program and is a qualified Surface Warfare Officer.

In November, The Maritime Foundation received a $25,000 grant from First Energy’s Economic Development Fund through City of Toledo Mayor Michael P. Bell’s administration.
The Maritime Academy of Toledo Foundation says it is accepting applications for the next class scheduled for March 26, 2012, as well as other future classes. For more information on the two new training programs call Lt. Cmdr. Kleiboemer at 419-244-9999 or log on to www.themaritimefoundation.us .