Training Ship STATE OF MICHIGAN was docked at Sault Historic Sites of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. in celebration of Engineers Day this Friday to educate visitors and draw interest to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) at Northwestern Michigan College.
Cadet Jason Glass is a licensed third mate officer in charge of navicular duties and responsibilities aboard the training ship. He heard a call to the Great Lakes at a rather early age.
"My dad was a Great Lakes captain," he said. "I grew up hearing all of his stories. Many of them came with a moral lesson, even if they were funny. I saw how being a captain shaped my dad's character. When I got older, I decided to look for opportunities myself."
GLMA is designed to prepare its students to operate commercial vessels as merchant marine officers who on the Great Lakes and oceans.
"My goal is to serve as a navigation officer on a Great Lakes commercial freighter," Glass said. "I'm an Eagle Scout, and I have grown up learning about leadership. I see becoming the captain of a Great Lakes freighter as the pinnacle of my leadership career."
According to the GLMA website, its deck officer program prepares students to operate commercial ships of unlimited tonnage on the Great Lakes and oceans as merchant marine officer. Deck officers manage deck department, as well as oversee the loading and discharging of cargo. They are responsible for the ship’s business operations. Deck Officer cadets must complete three sea project internships during their academic program. Deck officers may train to become pilots and crew mates.
Glass, who has already learned a lot in his time aboard the STATE OF MICHIGAN, offered informative public tours on Friday.
"This ship used to be a ship owned by the US Navy," he said. "It would hunt for submarines. Now, operated by GLMA as a 'floating classroom.' The instructors are all retired sailors who teach cadets about ship navigation, operations, and etiquette."
The training ship's crew consists of approximately 15 officers, two Instructors, and an average of 50 cadets. It was built in 1985 with a carrying capacity of 910 deadweight (DWT), overall length of 68.28 meters, and width of 13.11 meters.
Learn more about academic opportunities offered at Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) at Northwestern Michigan College here.
