Orange Coast College - Press Releases

OCC’s Professional Mariner Program Links Students to Maritime Careers

Thursday, July 02, 2009

In a challenging economy for job seekers, students who recently completed Orange Coast College’s certificate program for Professional Mariner are discovering employment and internship opportunities in the local maritime industry.

Working with the college’s Professional Mariner Advisory Council, with representatives from employers and experts in Southern California’s maritime profession, 40% of the program’s 23 students found internships or employment. OCC worked with the college’s Professional Mariner Advisory Council to help 40% of the program’s students find internships or employment in the local maritime industry.

“I could not be happier with the results of our first year,” said instructor Christopher McNally. Students are employed as deckhands with Catalina Express, L.A. Water Taxi, and aboard private and commercial yachts. Several others are working in internship programs with Catalina Express, Foss Maritime, Hornblower Cruises and the S.S. Lane Victory.

In its first year, the Orange Coast College’s Professional Mariner Program awarded certificates to five students who completed 15 units of required coursework and an additional three elective units.

One of OCC’s many career programs, Professional Mariner enables students to earn college credit and a Certificate of Achievement while they learn skills and knowledge specific to the maritime industry. Curriculum includes seamanship, marine safety, boat handling, navigation and boat maintenance. Courses are conducted in the classroom and aboard boats. Students may complete the certificate program in two semesters.

Students completing the program qualify for work as a deckhand on private or commercial yachts passenger vessels, commercial vessels and workboats.

Registration for fall classes, which begin the week of Aug. 31st, is taking place throughout the summer. Prospective students can apply for admission online at www.orangecoastcollege.edu. Registration information is also available by calling 714-432-5072.