While Mariners strive to convert jobs into successful careers, acquiring the training and certifications necessary can seem unaffordable. To help prevent tuition costs from holding back maritime career pursuits, the Young Firm is offering a solution to help offset these added expenses with the creation of the Marine Award Program for Seamen (MAPS).

“We believe that financial difficulties should not prevent mariners from receiving the proper training they need to advance their careers, which is why we have decided to offer this award,” said Timothy Young, Maritime Attorney.

The Young Firm said it created MAPS with seamen’s financial concerns in mind. MAPS is a need- and merit-based award program that offers $18,000 in awards per year to 18 individuals to be used at one of the following facilities: Lafourche Merchant Marine Training Inc., Houston Marine Training Services and Martin International.

January 2014 Winners
Winners are selected based upon their commitment to their career and the effort they put into their application. The Young Firm said these individuals stood out and were awarded $1.000 each to use on training.

• Dave D. Warwick, R.I.
• Bruce C. Thibodaux, La.
• Nicholas M. Vashon, Wash.
• Jordan G. Reydell, Ark.
• Brandon A. Baton Rouge, La.
• Jeffery O. Brooklyn, Miss.
• Ernest W. Long Beach, Miss.
• Matthew J. Galliano, La.

Application Deadline
The awarding is broken down over several months. The 2014 award schedule is below:

• March 20 (two awards available)
• June 20 (two awards available)
• September 20 (two awards available)
• December 20 (three awards available)

How to Apply for MAPS
Applying for the award program is free, and applicants can apply as many times as they’d like. Application is available online at MarineAward.com or a paper copy can be requested by calling (855-783-2385).