Train for a Maritime Career

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Programs

Set a course for a career that will take you places

Maritime is one of the oldest and most important industries in Seattle-King County, employing over 20,000 people at 800 companies--including the largest ferry system in the U.S.

Seattle Maritime Academy prepares the next generation of skilled mariners to fill vital roles in all sectors of the maritime industry, from ferries to fishing vessels, tugboats to tankers. Our one-year certificate programs emphasize hands-on training and on-the-water experiences, and small class sizes ensure personalized one-on-one education taught by US Coast Guard-approved instructors who are also professional mariners with extensive maritime experience.

A current wave of retirements due to an aging workforce has led to a dramatic rise in entry-level job openings in the maritime industry, both locally and globally. This means there's never been a better time to choose a career in maritime. Our graduates are in great demand and most start their careers immediately after completing the program.

We are a US Coast Guard-approved training program that satisfies federal maritime requirements. New students may enroll only in the Fall Quarter.

Career Opportunities

Our graduates fill vital roles across all sectors of maritime, including in commercial and passenger transportation, commercial fishing, marine research, deep-sea sailing, and the workboat industry. The maritime industry is an exciting field offering:

  • Great pay and benefits--even at entry level--with a wide range of career advancement opportunities
  • The opportunity to do work that is challenging, rewarding, and not your typical 9 to 5 job
  • Ongoing training that builds your knowledge and skills
  • The ability to be part of a dynamic workforce that is vital to our nation's infrastructure
 

Seattle Central College Opens New Seattle Maritime Academy Building

Seattle Central College’s Seattle Maritime Academy in Ballard is experiencing big changes. Our new, 24,000 square-foot building includes classrooms, simulation labs, a library, a conference room and more. Current and future mariners can build their skills in this modern facility and on our fleet of commercial vessels.

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Seattle Maritime Academy at Seattle Central College provides an educational home for those beginning careers in the maritime industry. SMA programs offer high-wage, exciting employment opportunities for our graduates.

Dale Bateman, Director/Associate Dean of the Seattle Maritime Academy

Dale Bateman is the Director/Associate Dean of the Seattle Maritime Academy

Contact

Seattle Maritime Academy
Seattle Central College
4455 Shilshole Avenue NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206.934.2647 (phone)
206.934.2821 (fax)
SMA.Central@seattlecolleges.edu