The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) offers a range of training programs designed for professionals in the maritime industry. Combining traditional hands-on instruction with newer technologies, MITAGS provides educational resources to prepare crews for work demands and accident response. If an individual can show their connection to the fishing industry, it’s free.
“My favorite is the firefighting team trainer,” said Capt. Jon Kjaerulff, MITAGS director of business development. “They bring their crew, and we spend a day fighting fire as a group. It’s an $8,500 class to get for free,” he said.
MITAGS’ firefighting training program uses a land-based ship simulator, referred to as a “stone frigate,” to provide realistic emergency response exercises. The facility is equipped with the same layouts and tools found on ships, allowing crews to practice firefighting and damage control in a controlled environment.
The institute also offers a Medical Person-in-Charge course. This is a two-week program designed to prepare participants to handle medical emergencies on board vessels. The course, which typically costs $3,200, teaches advanced first aid and emergency medical techniques necessary for maritime operations.
MITAGS collaborates with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on occupational safety. NIOSH has worked extensively with the fishing industry to improve safety practices, and MITAGS incorporates similar safety initiatives into its training programs.
In addition to hands-on training, MITAGS is expanding its capabilities with virtual reality (VR) technology. The company’s Baltimore facility now offers a new and operational VR simulator. “It’s a small room with three screens across the front and controls, but the whole room is lime green so you can use it as a regular simulator or with a VR mask,” Kjaerulff noted. These training exercises provide practical experience in simulated real-world scenarios without risk.
If you're interested in speaking with MITAGS about their training classes, you can visit them at booth 3000 at the Pacific Marine Expo.
