About PMI

Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI) is a non-profit 501 C-9 Trust.   Since its establishment in 1972, Pacific Maritime Institute has continued to upgrade its curriculum, facilities and staff to ensure the highest standard of training for all attendees. Over twenty (20) different courses are taught on a regular basis, ranging in duration from four-hour seminars to a Two Year "Mate of Towing" Program. Student instructor ratio averages 12:1.

Our Mission

The Pacific Maritime Institute is a non-profit vocational training center for individuals seeking to enter the maritime profession and for professional mariners seeking to advance their careers. We focus on providing the highest quality training using effective technologies and teaching techniques so that our students have the knowledge and skills to succeed in today's merchant marine.

The primary goals of PMI include:

• Providing training programs and individual courses to facilitate entry into the merchant marine at the support and operational levels
• Providing training programs and individual courses to individuals already in the maritime profession that facilitate advancement within the merchant marine
• Providing continuing education courses that meet the regulatory and industry demand for advanced training
• Providing customized courses and related services based on the specific needs of companies, members of the IOMMP, affiliates and other organizations that assist in solving maritime advancement, training, educational and safety issues

Vocational Status

The PMI is licensed under Chapter 28.C10 RCW as a Washington State Vocational Training Provider. Inquiries or complaints regarding this or any other private vocational school may be made to the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, 128 Tenth Avenue SW, Olympia Washington 98504-3105 (360) 753-5673.

Accreditation

We are working towards accreditation to better serve our students.

The U.S. Merchant Marine

The U.S. merchant marine consists of a fleet of privately owned, and U.S. registered merchant vessels that provide waterborne transportation for cargoes moving in domestic and international commerce. The vessel types include: tankers, container ships, military support ships, ferries, tug boats, offshore supply vessels, and cruise ships. These vessels are manned by U.S. citizens who must undergo professional training and evaluations in order to qualify as support, operational or management level mariners.

The U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the regulatory agency that is responsible for licensing and documentation of all U.S. merchant mariners. The certification, which mariners receive from the U.S. Coast Guard, will depend on the level of training and experience (sea service) they have attained. This certification will determine what duties and responsibilities the mariner performs onboard.