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There are many incentives in the maritime industry including high wages, varied work environments, and career advancement.
Words by Steve Fennell
Although expansions are underway at some of the busiest ports on the West Coast and commercial shipping companies are reporting banner years, the maritime industry in Canada and the U.S. is experiencing a labour shortage, resulting in a number of initiatives to promote the available skills training.
“There are shortages of mariners worldwide,” says Captain David Badior, the Campus Director and Chief Instructor at Western Maritime Institute (WMI) in Ladysmith, BC. “In some instances, BC Ferries had to reduce sailings due to the shortage of staff. Washington State Ferries also recently announced the cancellation of the popular Sidney – Anacortes service for the 2022 season due to the lack of available crews”
Compass Courses Maritime Training
Students training at Compass Courses Maritime Training.
According to Badior, as well as Julie Keim, owner of Washington-based Compass Courses Maritime Training, some of the reasons for the labour shortage are the limited number of younger employees entering the industry and limited awareness of the many career opportunities.
“The age gap between entry-level seafarers and seasoned officers who are retiring is really large right now,” explained Keim. “The maritime industry is the third-largest employer in Washington State and when we speak to high school students, they don’t know about the opportunities to work on the water and the fact that they can make a really decent living.”
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BC Ferries is just one of the many government entities that hire maritime training grads.
With a variety of incentives including high employee wages, varied work environments, and career advancement, the industry has a variety of skills training centres, ranging from maritime colleges with four-year curriculums to multi-week government-approved programs. Both offer many courses for entry-level seafarer positions, continued education as well as refresher courses for certain licenses and certificates.
According to Badior, one of WMI’s most popular programs is its entry-level Transport Canada-approved Bridge Watch Rating (BWR) Certificate Program. The BWR certificate is an industry prerequisite to work on commercial tug boats, ferries, government vessels and a variety of small passenger craft. The BWR Program spans 13 weeks and consists of five courses including the BWR plus Marine Basic First Aid, Basic Safety Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft, and Commercial Radio Operator certification.
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Working on the ‘tugs’ is another employment opportunity,
Completion of the BWR program reduces the 180-day sea time (established by Transport Canada) for certification of a helmsman by one-third. Badior explained prior to full completion of the BWR program, approximately 87 percent of students find placement as deckhands with an average salary of $25 to $30/hr.
“The more training and certificates an individual has, the more vessels they are qualified to work on,” says Badior. “Our curriculum even includes the higher-level courses required for positions like Mates and Masters. The WMI has a million-dollar-plus bridge simulator, which is used for our electronic navigation courses, and we also offer training in meteorology, chart work, vessel stability and collision regulations.”
Western Maritime Institute
The bridge simulator at Western Maritime Institute.
Another popular training option is Compass Courses Maritime Training, which has been training mariners since 2001. Located north of Seattle, WA, Keim and her team offer 31 accredited programs including the mandatory Standard Training and Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), 100 Ton Captain’s Licensing, Apprentice Mate, Bridge Resource Management and Able-Seafarers (AB), to name just a few.
“We have a full gamut of certificates, courses and training available,” says Keim. “There’s currently a big demand for certified Able-Seafarers, which is the primary stepping stone into the industry. It’s also often completed in conjunction with our PSC/Lifeboatman and Basic Safety Training (BST) Certificates.”
Western Maritime Institute
Rope tying at the Western Maritime Institute
Although the AB course requires a prerequisite of 180 days of sea time, Keim explains past boating experience (whether commercially or recreationally) is taken into account, allowing students to achieve their 25- tonne license to work on small vessels, cruise ships, tug boats or other tonnage of vessels.
“It all depends on what our students want to do and work towards,” says Keim. “Those pursuing a career choice don’t realize they can find a promising career working on a ferry service, research vessel, or other gross tonnage commercial ships.”
With many ports on the BC Coast - from Prince Rupert to Delta - currently expanding and the thriving maritime industry in Washington State, there’s no sign of the labour demand slowing.
“We always like to discuss the particular interests of students and then suggest the appropriate courses,” added Keim. “After achieving the proper certification with a focus on continued training and education, students can establish a good career and really excel in this industry.”