Alaska Maritime Education Consortium Designated as 2021 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education

The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) recently announced the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium has received a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) designation in 2021. The UAS Ketchikan Maritime Training Center is one of six members of the Alaska Maritime Education Consortium, working to address the maritime workforce needs across the state of Alaska.

Lucinda Lessley, Acting Maritime Administrator for MARAD, noted in a recent press release, “The CoE designations recognize the high standard of maritime education and training provided by the designated community and technical colleges and maritime training centers. These institutions play vital roles in our nation’s maritime industry by providing the training and skills students need to begin and advance careers afloat and ashore.”

In 2018 the National Defense Authorization Act created the CoE program in order to ensure a well-trained workforce, while also improving inclusion and diversity in the maritime industry.

CoE institutions can work with MARAD to enhance their facilities, support students with a history of military service, and to help with recruitment of students and faculty involved with maritime education. This may also include the acquisition of equipment or use of MARAD owned vessels.