About the Building

The Space

The new 24,000-square-foot building includes classrooms, simulation labs, a library, administrative offices and a conference room.

The Benefits

Opening more doors to rewarding maritime careers

With four times the amount of space as before, this expanded facility gives the academy plenty of room for future growth. This means that more people in the community will have the opportunity to train for rewarding, family-wage careers in a thriving industry. The academy’s Ballard location, at the heart of the Puget Sound’s maritime economy, helps students make valuable connections with local employers.

Providing a better-trained workforce

With the most advanced simulation equipment in the industry, and expanded course offerings on a range of topics, the new building will provide an unparalleled training experience for students and current maritime professionals.

Meeting the maritime community's needs

Industry professionals and maritime companies will now have better access to high-quality professional development opportunities. The larger facility will help experienced mariners upgrade or renew licensing, prepare for U.S. Coast Guard assessments and learn new skills needed to advance their careers.

Building Highlights

Simulation suite

A key strength of the building is its full mission bridge and image simulators which, combined with 18 computer stations, allow companies and organizations to practice challenging scenarios under realistic conditions with their staff and to get valuable leadership, communications and technical feedback following the exercise.

Sustainably built

The building’s design and construction followed the rigorous sustainability standards of LEED Silver certification, and it features a green roof that protects the environment and provides natural beauty.