The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is a vocational school dedicated to preparing students for successful careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. The school’s apprentice program is registered with U.S. Department of Labor. There is no cost for tuition or room and board, though there are other costs associated with the program.

Our Apprentice program provides the necessary training to work aboard U.S. Merchant Vessels. The 17-week course is followed by a first experience at sea. Stewards will continue to sail across multiple tours until they reach 200 sea days, whereas Deck and Engine students will return to the school after 60 days to begin the next components of their respective training (specialized for each department). Next, those mariners return to sea for a period of employment of at least 120 days. After one more segment of Piney Point-based training, you will be guaranteed your first rated job (AB, FOWT or Chief Cook) aboard a ship, assigned to you by the Port of Piney Point.