Clatsop Community College has been named one of 32 Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) for 2024 by the United States Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). CCC is one of two institutions in Oregon to receive this designation in 2024 and was one of MARAD’s inaugural CoE designees in 2021. The 2024 designation is valid for 5 years.
CoE designations assist the maritime industry in obtaining and maintaining the highest quality workforce. The designation recognizes and promotes support for post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the marine industry.
“We’re looking forward to this continued partnership with MARAD,” says Kristen Wilkin, CCC Dean of Workforce Education and Training. “Our Vessel Operations program and U.S. Coast Guard certification options prepare students for successful private or commercial vessel operations careers not only in our local area but internationally.”
Housed at CCC’s MERTS Campus, the Maritime Science program offers U.S. Coast Guard approved Licensing, Ratings, and STCW courses to help the maritime industry employees maintain, renew, or gain licensing, training and experience. CCC is approved to administer tests and issue a Certificate upon completion and passing of the courses.
“Being that our facilities offer classroom, lab, and on-vessel training at the mouth of the Columbia River, we are the ideal location for maritime training in Oregon,” added Dean Wilkin.
As a Center of Excellence designated school, CCC will receive support for workforce training and education, including efforts to help advance the recruitment of students and faculty, expand facilities, create new maritime pathways, and award students credit for prior experience, including military service.
Dean Wilkin invites anyone interested in the program or a tour of the facilities to contact the front office in the Maritime Science building at the MERTS Campus location. Email tmiddleton@clatsopcc.edu or call 503-325-7962.
