Maritime Course: Solid Jobs Ahead

Marimed Foundation will launch a Maritime Careers and Training Program Jan. 7 for adults and high school students, meeting several times a week at the land-based facility on Likeke Place and on its three-masted schooner, Makani Olu (Gracious Wind).

Time aboard the 96-foot vessel comes during the course’s final week, when students test themselves on emergency procedures, basic sailing, marine security, shipboard living, equipment and many more hands-on tasks on a seven-day, open ocean voyage with the crew

Skills learned here can lead to both shore- and ship-based jobs, inspired by Hawaiian professional seafarers like Capts. Norman Piianaia, Adrian Almeida and Kaipo Pomaikai, and port engineer Leighton Tseu. As these and other maritime experts near retirement, they are encouraging young adults toward similar careers.

The 13-week course is free or at low-cost to qualified applicants, who are encouraged to enroll or learn more by calling 384-3632 or visiting marimed.org. It’s funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education (via Alu Like) to provide direct services to Native Hawaiians, who could then seek well-paying maritime jobs.

The nonprofit foundation opened in 1988 to help at-risk adolescents find personal growth via ocean voyaging.