Why YMTA?

"Today, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry continue to make immeasurable contributions to our economic strength and our ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful world.  We must ensure our maritime system can meet the challenges of the 21st century.  As cargo volume is expected to double within the next 20 years, a viable maritime network will help our country compete in our globaleconomy.

Accordingly, my Administration is working with government agencies, the shipping industry, labor, and environmental groups to ensure that our waterways remain a sound transportation option that complements our overland transportation network."

President George W. Bush, National Maritime Day Proclamation, May 21, 2002

Our Challenge

Tens of thousands of children attend Puget Sound area schools, yet most have little idea of the role the sea and the Sound play in their daily lives. Few understand the ships and tugboats which steam back and forth, where they come from, where they are going, and what they carry with them. Fewer still are the students, or even teachers, who are aware of the opportunities for careers and employment in this huge, exciting, diverse, yet largely invisible world.

The maritime industry consists of ships and boats engaged in international, coastal, and inshore service. It includes freighters, tankers, tugboats, fishing vessels, ferry boats, cruise ships, and oceanographic research vessels. Ships sail from Puget Sound to every corner of the globe; to places such as Asia, Europe, Australia, and even Antarctica. Keeping these ships on course takes many people; people who not only know how to navigate, but people who know how to run the gear on deck, keep the engines running, and fix things when they break down.

Running a fleet of ships and boats requires more than the crew on board, however. The company office has entire departments specializing in purchasing, personnel, operations, and engineering support. And speaking of support, every vessel operating company depends on dozens of other companies to help them get their job done. Companies such as shipyards, stevedores, ship’s agents, customs brokers, and machinery, electronics, and stores suppliers.

Employees enjoy excellent opportunities for advancement in the maritime world, where promotion is often not contingent upon a college degree. Most ships’ captains and engineering officers rise up through the ranks, and enjoy excellent pay and benefits.

YMTA’s mission is to help students in our schools learn about the opportunities that are available in the maritime world. Knowing about these opportunities at an early age, children can grow up with a realization and appreciation of possible career paths which might otherwise go unconsidered.

By focusing on the development of maritime career pathways and magnet programs, YMTA expects to provide workplace connections for students graduating from high school. In concert with maritime industry employers, YMTA hopes to cultivate recognition and employment preference to maritime program graduates.