MPT NEWS

The new 25,000-square-foot expansion of Maritime Professional Training's main Fort Lauderdale facility is now open for business. The roughly $6 million state-of-the-art project effectively doubled the size of the facility, now called the S.M.A.R.T. (Simulation for Maritime Assessment, Research and Training) campus, and added more classrooms and training labs as well as new maritime simulation technology. The private training school, founded in 1983, offers certification courses to people pursuing careers as commercial seamen and yachting professionals. "We train all segments of the industry, so we have cruise ship clients, we have mega yacht clients, deep-draft commercial clients, recreational boaters. We're particularly proud of our military mariner program, where we actually take retiring...

Maritime Professional Training Welcomes Dr. Crystal Allen Craft as Vice Principal of Academic Affairs Maritime Professional Training (MPT) has been a cornerstone in the community, serving as an essential resource for mariners, yacht crew, and industry leaders to advance their careers on the water. It's forward-thinking decisions like this - the appointment of experienced leaders - that set MPT apart, constantly evolving to ensure its students are prepared for the challenges of the modern maritime industry. Today, MPT is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Crystal Allen Craft as Vice Principal of Academic Affairs. An experienced leader, Dr. Craft brings extensive maritime, engineering, and leadership history to this role, contributing to MPT’s position as the U.S.’s largestprivate...

In an abundance of caution due to Hurricane Milton's approach and the increase in the chance of tropical force winds in the Fort Lauderdale area, MPT will close today, Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 2pm. We plan to reopen tomorrow at noon. If you are scheduled for a class starting tomorrow, please check...

Maritime Professional Training Names John F. Flanagan As Academic Principal Maritime Professional Training (MPT) has appointed John F. Flanagan as the school’s Academic Principal, overseeing the overall academic management at MPT.   John brings his years of professional training and development...

MPT's Captain Ted Morley is proud to be the Task Chair for the USCG’s alt-fuel safety advisory committee. Alternative Fuels: Many Possibilities But a Clear Path is Evasive As the world zeroes in on alternative energy sources and products that can deliver power and performance, there are advances...

The importance of STCW Basic Training for all maritime crew cannot be overstated. STCW stands for the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The STCW Convention is designed to ensure...

MPT will be closed for the safety of our students and staff on Wednesday, September 28th due to Tropical Storm warnings for Hurricane Ian in our area. All classes for Wednesday are postponed. We anticipate reopening on Thursday, September 29th at 8am if weather conditions have improved and warnings...

Maritime Professional Training (MPT) is open and all scheduled classes are currently running as we continue to monitor Hurricane Ian. As of this time, we do not anticipate having to close or pause operations for this storm. Hurricanes and their projected paths can change quickly and we advise everyone...

Some of the most popular licenses obtained by mariners in the US are the 100 Ton Master’s Licenses. This license is used on yachts, water taxis, excursion vessels, dive boats, and a host of other vessels. Also, we see many recreational boaters obtaining the license for decreased insurance requirements,...

The U.S. Coast Guard published the final rule titled “Amendments to the Marine Radar Observer Refresher Training Regulations.” The rule amends the requirements for renewal of a radar observer endorsement for mariners who have at least one year (360 days) of relevant service in the previous five years ( as well as making allowances for those in teaching positions) The final rule is effective July 22, 2019. CG-MMC Policy Letter 03-19 provides guidance for renewal of endorsements as Radar Observer (Unlimited), Radar Observer(Inland),and Radar Observer(Rivers).  The new rule eliminates the requirement that a mariner actively sailing on  their Merchant  complete an approved or accepted refresher or recertification course to maintain a radar observer endorsement....

(CNN) — Earlier this week, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that, as of Tuesday, January 26, all air passengers ages two and older must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test to enter the United States. The new rule includes US citizens and legal permanent residents....

Veterans Day Message Today is a day this country gives our heartfelt thanks to the men and women that have served to defend our freedom and uphold democracy at home and across the globe. No matter the conflict, whatever branch of service, and whatever rank they achieved… they all signed their...

In response to the overwhelming burden placed on the US mariner by COVID-19 and the myriad of travel and other restrictions currently in place, the USCG has implementing TEMPORARY guidelines, relaxing some of the requirements for revalidation training for mariners with Merchant Mariner Credentials expiring...

Training and Satisfying Regulations in a Covid-19 World  This year we were all dealt the most disruptive blow many of us have ever experienced. The effect on the yachting and shipping industry has long lasting ramifications as owners and crews look for solutions to curb the spread and make the...

MIAMI — Effective at 12 p.m., Thursday, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) set port condition X-ray for the Port of Miami due to the expectation of sustained tropical force winds of 39-73 mph generated from Tropical Storm Isaias that may arrive within 48...

Update Note: Expiration dates of mariner credentials and approvals have been updated to reflect an extension to December 31, 2020. Extension of Merchant Mariner Credential Endorsements and Medical Certificates The Coast Guard has published MSIB 08-20 (Change 2) to update guidance...

Happy National Maritime Day!  MPT would like to wish everyone a Happy National Maritime Day and express our thanks to all of the professional mariners that work incredibly long hours in often grueling conditions to support global logistics and move vital supplies around America and the world.Your...

COVID 19 – Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) Operations The uninterrupted flow of commerce on our Marine Transportation System (MTS) is critical to both National Security and National economic well-being. During this National emergency for COVID-19 it is paramount that the Coast Guard safeguards the continued operation of the MTS to ensure our domestic supply chain continues uninterrupted. The regulations outlined throughout 33 and 46 Code of Federal Regulations remain in force, and maritime operators are expected to continue to comply with these requirements. However, when compliance with these regulations cannot reasonably be met as a result of COVID-19, the Coast Guard will exercise flexibility to prevent undue delays. The following clarification is provided...

The Coast Guard has published MSIB 08-20 to provide guidance concerning mariner credentials and medical certificates and the action being taken by the Coast Guard due to the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes (COVID-19).

MPT continues to closely monitor the situation; there remains a tremendous amount of concern with the COVID-19 virus spreading, therefore stay at home orders around the country are being extended. MPT will be extending its temporary closure through April 17th, 2020 and may make additional changes. We...

MPT has been working with local and federal health officials to maintain critical operations for as long as it has been safe to do so. Reducing class size, employing hospital grade disinfectants and electrostatic fogging technology, and enhanced personal hygiene protocols to help keep our staff andclients...

Maritime Professional Training is closely monitoring the developing global situation with the Coronavirus and remains in close contact with local and federal health officials. While no cases of the virus have been reported locally, we have implemented enhanced sanitizing protocols for all public areas...

Abaco Update September 1, 2019 saw one the most intense tropical cyclones in history make landfall in the Bahamas causing the worst natural disaster in the country’s history. Maximum sustained winds were 185 mph and gusts were well over 200 mph, the storm stalled over the Bahamas and the islands...

The wind was blowing a stiff 20+ kts and the rig groaned under tension as the sails propelled us, no engine and no exhaust- just the wind and our determination drove us forward, a test of our seamanship and skill as we worked to master the forces of nature… Sailing is regarded by some as the...

Hurricane Dorian Update, Tuesday, September 3rd.MPT will be OPEN tomorrow at 7:30 am. All Tropical Storm warnings and watches have been lifted for Broward County and the Fort Lauderdale Airport began to reopen at noon. We completely understand that many of our students live and work in areas that are...

Hurricane Dorian Update.... MPT will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, September 3rd. Fort Lauderdale International Airport also remains closed as of today. Tropical Storm winds are still possible for South Florida into the day tomorrow. Our info@MPTusa.com remains active for now to answer any questions you may have.Please email us as opposed to calling the office as no staff will return to the office until all watches and warnings have been lifted.

MPT continues to closely monitor Hurricane Dorian. Hurricane preparations have already begun to secure our Fort Lauderdale campus, water side and fire fighting facilities.We currently are expecting some impact from the storm on Monday, Labor Day, September 2nd. The campus will be closed Saturday, August...

MPT is proud to be a founding member of this exciting new project.  Reprint from the Triton as published onJuly 23, 2019: With an eye to inspiring future generations, members of the marine industry businesses in South Florida have built “Sea the World,” a storefront that will be visited...

STCW for Beginners   With the steady increase in large yachts, and more crew required to man them, I wanted to discuss the STCW basics because we are seeing a significant increase in questions again. Guidance from the MCA is provided in MSN 1865 (M) and will go into detail on all the regulatory...

Just announced: The MCA will be conducting Engineering Oral Exams at the Maritime Professional Training (MPT) campus during the week of April 8 -12, 2019. Advance preparation courses are available the week of April 1-5th. Space is extremely limited and advance registration is required. Please callour...

We’ve had a fair amountof focus lately on the larger yachts in our industry and the specific needs of the crew aboard. A segment we haven’t addressed in detail, and one that we have been fielding a lot of reader inquiries about, is the smaller yachts that are less than 500 GT with smaller...