February 06, 2003
Thursday - 12:05 am

The Murkowski Administration is partnering with the Seafarers International Union (SIU) to recruit and train dislocated workers from Alaska for careers in the U.S.-flag merchant marine, Greg O'Claray, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development announced Monday.

In partnership with the SIU and the Ketchikan-based nonprofit recruiting and referral agency, SEA Link Inc., the Dept. of Labor will train and place qualified dislocated Alaskans

"It is expected that approximately 240 Alaskans will be trained as merchant marines by the end of next year."... Greg O'Claray, Commissioner of Labor

previously employed in the fishing industry into family-wage jobs as merchant mariners aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels engaged in the Alaska, domestic, and international deep-sea shipping industry.

The plan is to send approximately 20 qualified applicants a month from Alaska to the SIU's Paul Hall Center for Maritime Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Training will include lifeboat, water safety, marine fire fighting, and nautical skills courses at their U.S. Coast Guard certified program for entry level to licensed officer. Upon successful completion, candidates who have successfully met USCG requirements are guaranteed jobs as Able Bodied or Ordinary Seafarers aboard vessels operating under a SIU contract. More training after an initial 60-day period at sea to meet USCG able-bodied mariners certifications will also be provided.

Together with SEA Link Inc., SIU will screen applications for eligibility. "We're sending the first qualified Alaskans to Piney Point this month," O'Claray said. "It is expected that approximately 240 Alaskans will be trained as merchant marines by the end of next year." Training funds are granted to SEA Link Inc. for this initiative through federal Workforce Investment Act money, accounted for and administered through Alaska's Department of Labor.

Anchorage-based Seafarers Union representative, Harold Holten states, "Our union and industry are committed to reaching out to Alaskans, particularly since our overall experience in recruiting here is overwhelmingly positive. Our first initiative to recruit Alaska youth is a model success and continues to exceed expectations after five years and nearly 100 participants. We expect the same results through this displaced worker initiative."

Dislocated Alaskans with fishing boat experience who are interested in more information about pursuing a career with the U.S.-flag merchant marine should contact SIU Representative Harold Holten at (907) 561-4988, or Ralph Mirsky, Director of SEA Link Inc., Ketchikan, Alaska at 888-577-7453, or (907) 247-5769.

Source of News Release:

Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Web Site

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