EVERETT, Wash. — Much needed help is on the way to western Washington waters as a stubborn shortage of maritime workers continues slowing shipments and stalling ferries across Puget Sound.
It's here in the form of a new Maritime Institute at the Port of Everett.
"Come study here and have a great career at sea," said Institute CEO Dave Abrams.
Towing ships and containers across Puget Sound is a heavy lift that's made even heavier without a full crew.
"Well, when it comes to crewing, it's very difficult to stay on schedule and get this freight to people who need it. We do it, but it's very taxing," said Jake Williams of Everett's Dunlap Towing.
Dunlap is one of many seafaring businesses in dire need of workers.
According to the Washington Maritime Association, the industry supports 170,000 jobs, and brings in $46 billion in revenue.
But widespread crew shortages, exacerbated by the pandemic, are making the movement of people and products across the country problematic.
"It doesn't just affect us locally. It affects freight everywhere," said Williams. "An institute like that would be very helpful."
At Dunlap, they've gone from about 200 employees 15 years ago to about 125 at present. The decline is happening across the globe and in Everett they're looking to change course.
The Maritime Institute is currently accepting students.
It's training people for careers on the water — just about anything you can imagine — from deck crews and captains to mechanics and radar technicians. Students can get certified in 25 different fields.
"90% of everything we touch on land comes to us by sea," said Abrams. He encourages people with zero experience to begin training in 4-week, basic training "boot camps."
They cost around $6,000, "but the return on investment is great," said Abrams.
Within months graduates can have a job with a base pay of $50,000 plus benefits.
"It's not unreasonable to expect that a mariner, after 5 years or so, would be earning a 6 figure income," said Abrams.
The state ferry system has been plagued with crew shortages since before the pandemic. The Institute expects to be able to help with that, as well.
Port of Everett CEO Lisa Lefeber believes the Institute is perfectly situated in Snohomish County to provide jobs and solutions.
"We have the largest ferry system in the country. The Naval station in Everett is at our back door. Right behind us we have the largest public marina on the West Coast. We have a strong and growing Coast Guard influence. The Maritime Institute embodies all of that maritime industry," Lefeber said.
The folks at Dunlap, looking to hire six to eight people, hope the Institute will be an anchor for a growing maritime community.
"Maybe now that this is here people will be able to see a bigger picture of the maritime industry and maybe get them excited about wanting to join," said Williams.