The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
⚓ My Maritime Training Journey
From STCW Certification to Adventure on the High Seas
🌊 The Beginning: STCW Training at Paul Hall Center
Every great maritime career begins with proper training. In June 2007, I embarked on an incredible journey at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, part of the prestigious Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland.
🔥 The Training Experience
The hands-on training was incredible! From firefighting exercises to safety protocols, every day brought new challenges and skills. The Joseph Sacco Firefighting and Safety Training School on campus provided world-class emergency response training.
Some get greatness as a graduation gift."
🏫 About the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship
The SHLSS, affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU), is a premier vocational school dedicated to preparing students for successful careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. The campus features:
- Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum - Rich maritime history and resources
- Marine Simulation Equipment - State-of-the-art training technology
- Freedom Star Training Vessel - Real hands-on experience aboard a docked ship
- Comprehensive Facilities - Dining, living quarters, recreation, and specialized labs
📜 STCW Courses & Certifications
The Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) courses are internationally recognized and essential for maritime careers. Here's what the comprehensive program includes:
🛡️ Basic Safety Training (BST)
- Personal Survival Techniques
- Fire Prevention & Fire Fighting
- Elementary First Aid
- Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities
⚓ Deck Department Training
- Bridge Resource Management
- Radar Observer Certification
- Able Seaman Training
- Vessel Security Awareness
🔧 Engine Department Training
- Basic Engine Room Operations
- Oiler/QMED Training
- Marine Engineering Fundamentals
- Engine Room Resource Management
🍽️ Steward Department Training
- Food Service & Sanitation
- Culinary Arts Training
- Hospitality Management
- Ship's Service Operations
🚨 Advanced Safety Courses
- Advanced Fire Fighting
- Medical First Aid
- Crowd & Crisis Management
- Ship Security Officer
⚡ Specialized Training
- Tankerman Certification
- HAZMAT Handling
- Crane & Rigging Operations
- Maritime Security Awareness
🚢 My Maritime Adventure
After earning our SCTW Certifications and USCG Merchant Mariner Documents in June 2007, I was ready to sail! The Norwegian Cruise Line America (NCLA) was an all-American crew, flagged in the USA, and thanks to "The Jones Act" of 1812, they had to hire Americans.
I started with a short 8-week contract as a Head Waiter, but ship life was intense - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Midnight Snack. No time off, and when I did have time, I just slept!
I started working as a substitute teacher and, as an added bonus, became a working actor on the set of LOST as a body double and stand-in. Having a SAG Union card from 1999 really helped to get paid scale!
🎯 The Unlicensed Apprentice Program
The program I completed provides entry-level training for individuals beginning their seafaring careers. Key features include:
- Comprehensive Training: Basic safety, department-specific skills, and specialized courses
- Real-World Experience: Training aboard the Freedom Star vessel
- Career Pathways: Preparation for deck, engine, and steward departments
- Continuing Education: Upgrade courses for experienced seafarers
- Industry Recognition: Internationally accepted STCW certifications
🌟 Why Choose Maritime Training?
A career at sea offers unique opportunities:
- Global Adventure: Travel the world while working
- Good Pay: Competitive wages with room and board included
- Job Security: Growing demand for qualified mariners
- Skill Development: Technical and leadership abilities
- Brotherhood: Strong maritime community and union support
⭐ Final Thoughts
My journey through STCW training at the Paul Hall Center was transformative. From learning essential safety skills to experiencing the power of a fire hose, every moment prepared me for life at sea and beyond. The training opened doors I never expected - from working on cruise ships to finding opportunities in Hawaii.
Whether you're considering a maritime career or just curious about the training involved, the STCW program provides world-class preparation for one of humanity's oldest professions. The sea calls to those ready to answer!