No, this is not a military accession program. The Maritime Institute Instructors treat students with dignity and respect while we expect self-motivated students to complete all assignments.

All students who apply for the boot camp must be eligible to receive or update their Merchant Mariner Credential and TWIC. You must be able to pass a Dept. of Transportation Drug Screen and Physical, along with a criminal history and National Driver’s Registry Search in order for these credentials to be issued. All applicants must be able to swim at least well enough to tread water for over 60 seconds in 12 or more feet of water and must be a US citizen. All students applying for workforce funding will be required to pass the drug screen BEFORE being awarded funding. This is to ensure that all students who receive funding will be eligible to receive all credentials upon completion of the program. In addition to those listed below, students receiving financial aid may have additional internship and reporting stipulations.

• Coast Guard Drug Test: All applicants for credentials must pass a DOT approved drug screening before being accepted into the class. The cost of the test will be reimbursed if accepted into the class.
• Ability to swim or stay afloat for more than 1 minute: To pass the basic training portion of the class and receive STCW credential, student must be able to tread water or float with head above water for more than one minute as part of class.
• Interview: Any student applying for competitive funding must complete interview with the boot camp staff before being accepted into the program.
• Citizenship/Right to Work: All applicants must have proof of citizenship or of right to work in United States.
• US Coast Guard Physical: All applicants must be able to pass a US Coast Guard physical to receive credentials. This step can be completed after you’ve been accepted unless there is a medical issue that should be assessed.

• Criminal History assessment: Maritime Institute’s application is based on a review of 46 CFR 10.211 and the applicant’s background. Applicants with a criminal record are considered on a case-by-case basis as part of the interviewing process. Having a criminal history or record of serious vehicular offenses might not eliminate you, but the National Maritime Center (NMC) reviews each offense to determine your “safety and suitability.” Failure to disclose a criminal history can result in NMC denying an application for credentials. If this happens, funds paid to the school are not refundable. Acceptance into Mariner Bootcamp does not guarantee approval by the Coast Guard.

Maritime Institute does not offer financial aid. The boot camp program has, however, been accepted by the State of Virginia, State of California, and State of Washington’s workforce boards, as a career training option for eligible applicants.

• You must provide means of payment before classes begin.
• If you plan on paying your tuition yourself, you must be paid in full to begin class. You may reserve a spot in the class by paying a non-refundable deposit of $1,000.00. The remainder of the payment is due 10 business days before the beginning of the program.
• You may be eligible for financial assistance through a Workforce Council. Eligibility will be determined through the application process with a Mariner Boot Camp Case Worker.  These programs fund a limited number of students each year.
• If you are out-of-state, you will want to check to see if your workforce board will approve a program accepted by the Virginia Workforce Agencies and whether they cover additional expenses such as transportation and housing.
• Military members and Veterans should contact the Maritime Institute regarding GI Bills and Military Voluntary Credentialing Programs.

The boot camps have only 20 spots in each and hundreds of applicants who have expressed interest.  To apply for the course, click the “apply now” link on this website and fill out the information requested. We enter each applicant’s information into our database and add you to a mailing list to let you know when class enrollment opens for each boot camp, and when we’ll hold information and eligibility orientation sessions.  You will recieve an email within one business day.  If you do not see your email, please check your junk mail and spam folders before contacting boot camp staff.  All communications will be conducted via email to provide a record for both you and our staff!

All applicants must interview now regardless of how they fund the class.

Mariner Bootcamp cost $6,000

The program is four weeks of classroom instruction with some off-site training included.  Students will be expected to be on campus from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and will be transported to other training sites (fire-fighting facility, pool, other training venues).

For students attending the classroom part of their “Out of School Youth” program, internships are required by the funding agency.  For all other students, there is no internship component.

You do not need credentials to enroll in the boot camp. You may still be accepted into the program if you already have your TWIC and MMC.

No. While having your TWIC and/ or MMC does show you’ve begun your work towards going to sea, you will still need to apply for the program and go through the steps listed above to be considered.

We cannot guarantee placement in a job. We will, however, help you earn the credentials you need, learn job-seeking skills, and gain on-the-job experience in order to give you the tools you need to be competitive in entering the Maritime Industry.

The Maritime Industry includes all jobs related to ships and shipping, both bordering the sea and related to navigation or commerce on the sea. The Mariner Boot Camp is designed specifically to train US Merchant Mariners, the personnel that make up the staff and crew of all US commercial ships and vessels. All US Merchant Mariners must get and maintain credentials from the TSA and National Maritime Center in order to work aboard ship, along with classroom and on-the-job training to advance and be successful at sea.

Merchant Mariners serve aboard all sorts of vessels and a range of schedules. You might find employment on a vessel that allows you to go home each day, or you may sign aboard a ship sailing for far away ports and be gone for months (or even years) at a time. It is typical in the industry for mariners to work for long shifts (2 weeks to 4 months) followed by an equal- or nearly equal- amount of time ashore.

No, Military Sealift Command is a civilian maritime government supply organization. We are a Maritime Training Center. Maritime Institute trains mariners from all over the industry, including MSC, as they enter into and advance in their careers.

The dress code for a Maritime Institute Bootcamp and general guidelines you might expect:

• Uniform: Many maritime bootcamp training require students to wear specific clothing that aligns with safety and practical training needs.
• Workwear: Comfortable and durable workwear is often recommended. This might include items such as cargo pants, moisture-wicking shirts, sturdy work shoes, tennis shoes (no open toe shoes).
• Safety Gear: Safety gear is crucial in maritime training. This could include items like helmets, life jackets, gloves, and safety glasses, which will be provided by the Maritime Institute.
• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Given that maritime bootcamp training often takes place outdoors or on water, it’s important to bring clothing suited to the weather conditions, including rain gear and sun protection.