Maritime Youth Skills Training

Are you ready to start your career on the water?

We aim to prepare socially and economically disadvantaged adult jobseekers to enter careers in Washington State Ferries and the maritime industry — one of Washington’s fastest-growing, high-paying fields.

40 hours of hands-on vessel training

  • Job readiness coaching and career planning

  • All required credentials (including Merchant Mariner Credential, TWIC card, drug testing, and medical clearance) — at no cost to you

  • Essential gear & equipment (uniforms, PPE, boots)

  • Transportation and meal support during training

  • Limited wraparound support to help you focus on your future

  • Connections to maritime employers for real job opportunities

Washington’s ferries, ports, and maritime industries need skilled workers — and you could be one of them!

Whether you dream of working on a ferry, operating a commercial vessel, or starting a long-term maritime career, this program is your first step.

We welcome individuals who are:

  • 18 years or older (17 with parental consent)

  • Washington State residents

  • Have NOT USED ANY illegal drugs (INCLUDING CANNABIS) within the last 45-60 days

  • From socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds — including but not limited to:

    • Youth aging out of foster care

    • Recently exited juvenile rehabilitation

    • Experiencing homelessness or housing instability

    • Veterans or active-duty military transitioning to civilian careers

    • Women and minority jobseekers entering maritime trades

    • Low-income or underemployed individuals

    • Must NOT have used any drugs (including cannabis) within the last 45-60 days in order to past the mandatory drug test