Navigation Systems Donation Supports Industry Training

Steve Hearn, manager of external education programs - river operations at WKCTC, said Rose Point’s ECS was used to establish an electronic charting and radar training classroom at WKCTC's 631 Marine Way facility and will be used in the Marine Technology program. "This donation will enable the Inland Logistics and Marine Institute to offer the professional mariner access to training with Rose Point ECS’ quality navigation tools that they might not normally be able to receive," Hearn said. 

Headquartered in Redmond, Wash., Rose Point Navigation Systems is a provider of software and hardware for commercial marine operators and recreational boaters. The software’s reliability and unique features are specifically designed to meet the needs of the inland towing and coastal towing markets, the developer said. Rose Point ECS software aims to improves operational efficiency, situational awareness and decision-making with its uncluttered displays and controls that provide all the information mariners need to navigate safely to their destination.

The Inland Institute, located near Paducah's riverfront, provides training and education for the logistics and marine industries. Renovation of the building at 631 Marine Way was accomplished through a Mississippi River Transportation and Distribution and Logistics grant. The Institute houses WKCTC’s Logistics & Operations Management and Marine Technology programs. Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in these programs, completely online.

More than 700 students have received some of training since the U.S Department of Labor awarded the $2.7 million dollar grant to WKCTC in October 2013.