A recent report by MarAd indicates the facilities at Kings Point are in need of upgrade including replacement of some that are needed to provide basic services to the Cadet Corps. "Properly planned and administered", this presents an opportunity for Kings Point to become a world showcase for maritime training.
A recent report by MarAd, a link to which is attached, indicates a need for a comprehensive review, identification of deficiencies and implementation of a rejuvenation of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. In years past, the Point was led by seasoned professionals recruited from the commercial maritime sector. Many of the more noted superintendents were graduates of a school that no longer exists or is even known by many of it's latest graduates, the Pennsylvania Maritime Academy. Tom King was one of these graduates and one which I might add had my utmost respect. Today we see leaders from a different arena, the military sector, and while many say a proven leader can head up any organization, the military mind set isn't in tune with the needs of todays commercial mariner. Much the same trend is seen at the state school ships as well.
If a panel is seated, as suggested, it should consist of world recognized leaders in the areas of ship classification (DNV, ABS, GL, LR), ship operators, environmental research, engine builders, naval architects and members of the marine electronics community including the simulation sector.
A note to the engineering sector ~ electricity and electronics, first and foremost. Up to date academic curriculum as well as comprehensive electrical and electronics labs.
A good sight for a marine fuels and emissions research and training facility? Of course. Realistic plant, high voltage electrical systems and a real chance for the supplier side of the industry to show a commitment to both the environment and maritime training through generous donations of the plant and auxiliary equipment needed to establish the facility. The goal of unbiased trials and certifications of emissions related systems and products might then be realized.
Just a thought.
The link to the MarAd report:
http://www.marinelog.com/PDF/kingspoint.pdf
Update: 17 March 2010 Happy Saint Patrick's Day
Have seen some other posts on maritime websites including Tim Coltons Maritime Business Strategies which is a good source of commentary. There is validity to the question "Why do we need 7 federally subsidized maritime schools in the US?". Following the Vietnam war, the US merchant fleet dwindled to nothing. There are still a few operators running antique steamships here and the only viable operators are the ones who have the inside track to MSC and MarAd RRF general agency contracts. We see back room deals with the re flagging of numerous ships including one just announced for a small tanker to serve MSC interests in the Far East. Why didn't a US operator build a small tanker for this contract? My first ship, Piscataqua, was a T-1 operated by MSC on this run. A plausible guess at the number of graduates from the 7 schools each year would be 1000+, each with a 3rd mate or 3rd engineer ticket. Do the numbers in the US fleet substantiate this number? Most likely not. Ever since the downturn of the US fleet the majority go into non maritime fields. While I have met some fine engineers from all of the schools I always asked myself why someone who wanted to be a "professional engineer" would go to one of these schools rather than a traditional engineering school. As for deck graduates the job market is even slimmer. Let's see some rational thought given to further subsidies. I have always agreed that there should be a US Merchant Marine Academy however, questioned the funding of the state school ships. If a state wants a revenue generating curriculum it should be funded by the individual state. For years MarAd provided lack luster hand me down ships to the state schools for use as school ships. The present school ship fleet is still not state of the art. Japan and a few owners have developed state of the art training ships over the years but not here in the US.
We continually see articles regarding "mariner shortages" here in the US. This is true in part to an intensive lobby on the part of the school ships and Kings Point to "close the door" to the hawsepipe mariner. Justified? Not necessarily so. There's much to be said about the merits of both paths.
Let's see some heat on the Administration to make prudent choices for the Point and in future funding to the state schools.