New Kid on the Block - press release

There’s a new face on the waterfront. The Youth Maritime Training Association (YMTA) was recently founded in Seattle to promote maritime training opportunities for young people in Washington State. YMTA, a non-profit organization, will work to open new pathways to employment and build awareness of the maritime industry’s contribution to Pacific Northwest communities.

The maritime industry is sometimes misunderstood by outsiders as strictly seagoing jobs, but in fact most jobs are on shore. Some examples are the ports of Seattle and Tacoma which together form the second-largest container loading port in North America; the large Seattle fishing fleet and supporting activities; and the Washington State ferry system which is the biggest in the country. Overall, this is a growing industry—international trade is one of four strategic growth sectors identified for the Puget Sound region by local economic development authorities.

Despite all this and more, maritime fields are barely represented in schools. Enter YMTA. The group is already working with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent John Stanford to establish a strong maritime curriculum in Seattle. The program envisioned by YMTA culminates in a maritime "magnet" high school, but starts as early as kindergarten to create awareness of maritime jobs.

First Ballard Maritime Academy students in 1997

Other goals of the Association include a scholarship fund to assist youth continuing their education and training for a maritime career, and creation of a nationwide database of youth-oriented marine training programs. In addition, YMTA hopes to support existing training with funding assistance and other donations.

For information or to get involved, call Norm Manly at (206) 281-3821, or send E-mail