Merchant mariner training center performs critical duty

I've said before how important a well-trained merchant marine is to our nation.  To support our economy and our military, America needs men and women who can handle themselves and their ships at sea.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY, is one campus that provides exactly that kind of training, and I can't say enough good things about the Academy and its cadets.  And, earlier this week, Maritime Administrator David Matsuda toured a maritime officer training facility in Dania, Florida, where seasoned mariners take classes to renew and upgrade their licenses.

Maritime Administrator David Matsuda (left) learns about the STAR Center bridge simulator

The Simulation, Training, Assessment, and Research Center (STAR) campus is a not-for-profit maritime training center operated by the American Maritime Officers.  The center offers more U.S. and internationally approved approved courses than any other maritime simulation training center. State of the art marine simulators offer mariners a way to stay current on their practical training and preparation in a risk-free environment.

The 360° Bridge Simulator is the centerpiece of the STAR Center facility.  It features a Sperry Integrated Bridge System similar to that installed on the newest and most modern ships on the world's seas.  The simulator can be programmed for many different weather and ocean conditions.  It can also be programmed to replicate specific points around the globe, so deck officers can familiarize themselves with the world's trickiest navigation challenges.

As Administrator Matsuda said, "Merchant ships keep our economy moving by getting cargo safely and efficiently to its destination.  We want our deck officers experienced in any situation ships and seas can throw their way."

The engine control room simulator helps prepare maritime engineering officers

The STAR Center's programmable Engine Control Room, Radar, and Liquid Cargo simulators add to the campus' complement of training resources. 

America's merchant ship officers--from novice to seasoned veteran--must keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date.  And it's good to know that we have state-of-the-art resources like the STAR Center to help our mariners stay prepared.

In the background, one of the engines of our economy docks at Port Everglades, FL

Comments

[Seaguy]

Too bad it's one of the foreign flag ships that is in the background!

[Training Expert]

I agree that having a well-trained merchant marine is to our nation and stability of our shipping industry as a whole. thanks for sharing.