MAST

Eastport Yacht Club Foundation Promotes Marine Trades Education

The EYC Foundation has undertaken a new initiative to improve access to marine technology courses and advanced training for area students. The program, christened MAST for MAritime Skills Training, represents a major commitment on the part of the Foundation to help young people become a part of the boating industry so important to our Chesapeake Bay area.

MAST was introduced at the Center for Applied Technology – South Open House held February 17, 2010 for students entering the 9th grade from area schools and their parents.  CAT-South, in Edgewater, is the only school in the area offering a marine technology course. EYCF is proud to be able to introduce MAST to their marine repair students and to assist them in developing an interest in marine trades as a career.

This promotional effort will be followed by ongoing support for marine trades students in the form of a jobs program and interaction with local boatyards and tradespeople introducing students as potential employees. Scholarships for additional education will also be available for qualified graduates.  Our first scholarship was awarded on May 14, 2010 to Leif Carlsson. (See Scholarships). Attendance at career fairs and other promotional events for students by MAST volunteers is also planned.

This program will grow.  If you wish to assist as a volunteer or a donor, please contact us. We are excited about future possibilities and your assistance is welcome!

If you are interested in learning about our scholarship program, click HERE

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Marine Skills Training in Anne Arundel County Public Schools

The Marine Repair Technology course at the Center for Applied Technology – South (CAT-South) in Edgewater, Maryland, provides high school students with the knowledge and skills to launch a career in the recreational and commercial boat repair industry.  It is the only school in the county providing this career focus.

Level 1 emphasizes safe handling of hand and power tools and the development of basic hands-on skills in refreshing, repairing, and constructing various types of boats. Level 2 continues stressing tools, materials and methods, and has additional training in marine engines and the plumbing and electrical systems found in boats. Upon completion of both levels, students have two options. They can either continue their studies with individualized, advanced training in Marine Repair technology (level 3) or enter the Work Experience Program.
The knowledge and skills in carpentry, painting, fiberglass, and fabrication acquired in this program are comprehensive. With successful completion of this program, students will find employment opportunities in the marine industry as well as related fields. To go to the website for this program, click: http://www.catsouth.org/marinerepair.html Currently the EYCF MAST program provides scholarships for qualified students in the Marine Repair Technology program at CAT-South so that they may continue education in the marine skills career of their choice. See Scholarships for more information.

Information on Careers, Schools and Courses

As a service to students and already employed workers, the links below will assist you in finding courses and additional education in your field of interest. 

MITEC provides a good introduction to post secondary schools, courses, skills needed for each type of marine job, plus a variety of other helpful information.

MITEC – Maritime Industry Training & Education Council: http://www.boatingcareerinfo.org

ABYC provides standards-based courses in various skills for the experienced worker.

ABYC – American Boat and Yacht Council: http://www.abycinc.org/

ABBRA, American Boat Builders & Repairers Association has a list of 2 – 3 day courses held in association with the New England Institute of Technology

ABBRA:  http://www.abbra.org/

Although this site – Maine Marine Careers -- is focused on a particular state, it provides a number of videos on careers and schools that are helpful to all.

Maine Marine Careers: http://www.mainemarinecareers.com/news/audiovideo.asp