Maritime Schools – How Do I Choose?
How Do I Choose A Maritime School?
When I look for a Maritime School to attend I don’t want to waste my money or my time at a school that will “sell” me a certificate, and NOT prepare me for the job or level of license I am working towards. I’ve always been told that the reputation of the maritime schools are hard earned. You get what you pay for is heard very often in the maritime training world. I believe it!
What kind of campus do you look for?
- I look for a school with an “open campus”. These schools train all merchant mariners. These schools provide the same world-class facilities, instructors, and instruction to everyone, no matter their affiliation, company or sector of the maritime industry?
How important is a schools reputation?
- Schools that have been around a long time have built their reputation in this industry by providing excellent training, professional, competent instructors and a clean, professional training environment in which to learn in.
Who should I ask about school?
- Ask the graduates of the schools if they would go back or go somewhere else. Did they waste their time and money nd did they learn what they needed to not only pass the exams, but also “Do the Job”!
How are Maritime Schools rated?
- All schools should be rated by the same standards that include:
Quality of the Facility
- Is it a real school or a hotel conference room?
- How long has the school been in the same location?
- When were it courses last updated? The “Approval Certificates” should be displayed on there walls for everyone to see.
Quality of Equipment
- Do they use worn out equipment or supply new equipment and books? Take a look around the school, are the textbooks new, are the nautical charts used?
- Are the reference materials an official copy or are made from a copying machine?
Here are a few other signs to look for:
Quality of Instructors
- Are they “True Professionals” i.e. Captains with years of sea-service, experience and education?
- Are they Maritime Academy graduates or prior service military with extensive professional credentials or are they small boat skippers just working a part-time job?
Some schools will hire anyone they can get “approved to teach” their courses.
Contact vic@MarineDocuments.com for a list of Coast Guard Approved schools.
