PMI Graduates Largest Workboat Mate Class
Gregg Trunnell, Director of the Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) announced the graduation of 16 cadets in the two-year Work Boat Mate program. The students are sponsored by operating partners such as NOAA Pacific Marine, Foss Maritime, Crowley Marine Services, Dunlap Towing, Sause Bros., Gulfmark, Western Towboat, Harley Marine, Brusco Tug and Barge and Penn Marine.
Captain Russ Johnson of Dunlap Towing, speaking to the graduation audience recognized the vision and tenacity of PMI’s Gregg Trunnell because he had conceptualized the Work Boat Mate program and brought boat operators together to develop a well-trained pool of candidates for the tugboat, towing and offshore energy support industries. Johnson reminded the group that in 2001, the National Maritime Center issued over 100 licenses of 1600 ton mate/master or smaller, nationwide. However, in 2005 only 6 licenses were issued for the entire nation as operators struggled to find qualified personnel.
In order to graduate the 16 cadets had to successfully complete the intense two year training program beginning in 2008. . The cadets began as deckhands working their way up to the wheelhouse and by the end of their second year, performing mate tasks and learning to be watch officers. Each student had to complete a training record book , demonstrate skill competence of vessel operations as well as successfully pass the academic portions of the program. Upon successful completion of all components of the program, the cadets now qualify to sit for the U.S. Coast Guard examination for their Mates’ license.
The keynote speaker was Captain Suzanne Englebert, USCG, Captain of the Port and Commander for Sector Seattle . She reminded the graduates they are guardians: guardians of the environment , guardians of the maritime community and beyond. Capt. Englebert emphasized the responsibility that comes with being in the pilot house and the importance of understanding the “big picture ”. In closing, Capt. Englebert reinforced that the self-confidence their evolving skill set will be their “life-jackets”.
The graduates and partner companies are as follows:
Steven Z Alicandri and Michael E. Schantz - NOAA Pacific Marine
Max B Cota and Katie Wixom (PMI’s first female cadet) - Foss Maritime
Joseph DePaoli and Andrew T. Glenn - Dunlap Towing
Conor A. Greene and Palani J. Simon - Sause Brothers Hawaii
Peter J. Guilford - Gulfmark;
Mitchell Hetterle and Scott D. Wurster - Harley Marine Services
Tyson J. Houbregs and Maxwell S. Shawe - Crowley Marine Services
J. Gavin Riach -Western Towboat;
Keith Richards - Brusco Tug and Barge
Keith Shine - Penn Maritime.