Celebration in Maritime Education

The Youth Maritime Training Association held a Celebration in Maritime Education on Friday, May 11 at the Seattle Maritime Academy. The weather turned out perfect and the event was well attended, with representatives from many local organizations.

An article about YMTA’s new vessel came out in the Seattle Press on May 9 and a story about the Ballard Maritime Academy was featured in the Seattle Times on May 11.  News about the Celebration in Maritime Education and the christening of YMTA's first vessel were on several radio stations, including NPR and Channel 13 covered the christening. 

Tug Cadet at Fishermen's Terminal

Norm Manly, President YMTA talked about the Youth Maritime Training Association, how it came to be and some of its accomplishments. He emphasized YMTA desires to be the connecting link between the maritime industry and the education community, especially in grades K-12. He also made it clear; the YMTA will help and support any organization with goals of getting kids out on the water and teaching them about the maritime industry.

During the celebration, Doris Lofton, Foss Maritime Company presented the YMTA with a check for $5,000. This was the final installment of a $15,000 pledge. Also in attendance, Steve Scalzo, President & CEO Foss Maritime Company pledge continued support of YMTA at the same level.

Dave Walker, Executive Board Member of the Puget Sound Maritime Heritage Society made a presentation to YMTA and the Ballard High School of a beautiful, completely refurbished sextant. The award was made for YMTA and Ballard High Schools efforts to promote the maritime industry and its history.

Doctor David Engle, Principal Ballard High School chatted with the crowd about Ballard High School and the concept of a school within a school. The new Ballard Maritime Academy fits this concept perfectly with 200 students working together and taking the same classes over their entire four years. With a population of 1500 students at Ballard, Dr. Engle believes the academy model makes life easier for his students.

John Foster, Ballard’s lead instructor for the Maritime Academy talked in greater detail about the maritime program. It was obvious how much he is enjoying this challenge and is looking to further grow the program.

Jim Hasselbalch, Director of the Seattle Maritime Academy shared some very interesting facts about the maritime industry and the impending need of well-training, entry level employees. Jim chatted about STCW and the drop-dead date of February 1, 2002. Individuals who have not completed all requirements of STCW by that date will find they are no longer qualified to work at sea!

Jeremy Makin, YMTA Secretary and Vessel Committee Chairperson led us in the christening of the Youth Maritime Training Association’s first vessel. Reverend Kathy Hawks, Pastor of Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Ballard gave a blessing and the old tugboat was given a new name, CADET and new duties; to bring the sea to the classroom.  As the bottle of Champaign broke over the bow, the SES Propeller gave a long blast on her huge whistle!

MatchMaker approaching Seattle Maritime Academy

After the christening guest boarded the MatchMaker, a local cruise boat, owned and operated by Ralph Hammersborg for a cruise around Lake Union. The overflow crowd also boarded the SES Propeller, Seattle’s Sea Scout boat operated by Lee Swanson. The CADET, with Captain’s Rick Boggs and Bill White aboard, led the way eastthrough the Ship Canal and into Lake Union.

It was indeed a lovely evening and our goals of informing the public about the new Ballard Maritime Academy and christening our tugboat were fulfilled.