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Who We Are

Florida Youth Maritime Training Inc. was formed in March of 2019 in the State of Florida. We are an approved IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that provides vocational training to disadvantaged youth-at-risk to become employed in the maritime industry.

As of November 30, 2021, we have trained 81 men and women. We have an 85% graduation rate and an 80% employment rate. Our graduates are working for organizations such as the Military Sealift Command, Crowley Maritime Corporation and a number of smaller companies.

We are partnered with MADDADS of Jacksonville who help us recruit students.

We have two programs. The first program which is an Introduction to Marine Service Technology training leads to certification in the marine service sector. This program can be a stand-alone program or can meld into our second program which is Merchant Mariner training in the engineering department onboard commercial vessels.

Our preferred students are 18 to 22 years old. Our entry requirements are either a US citizen or green card holder and able to read and write at the sophomore in high school level.

Students who want to continue into the Merchant Marine program must be able to obtain a TWIC badge. Students who just want to complete the Introduction to Marine Service Technology program do not require a TWIC badge.

In Jacksonville our training takes place at Mayport.

What We Teach

Florida Youth Maritime Training has two programs at the core of what we teach. The first is an American Boat and Yacht Council “Introduction to Marine Service Technology” course. This training, which is 10 weeks in length, is an Industry Standards-Based curriculum which is designed to address the marine industry’s need for post-secondary technical education. This training offers the highest possible level of industry aligned education by providing a consistant and thorough backbone of materials and industry education. Graduates are tested by a third party, the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute. The Certificate issued after this test is successfully completed is for an entry level Marine Service Technician qualification.

What is taught in this course is:

  1. Boat Handling and General Safety Practices
  2. Internal Combustion Engine Theory
  3. Marine Electrical System Theory, Installations and Troubleshooting
  4. Outboard Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  5. Gasoline Fueled Inboard Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  6. Perform Basic Diesel Maintenance
  7. Marine Plumbing Systems
  8. Marine Materials: Wood, Metal and Composites

Students who are selected can continue on and receive an additional two months of :

  1. Safe Rigging Training
  2. OSHA First Responder (Awareness) Training
  3. U.S. Coast Guard Entry Level Training for Towing Industry Vessels
  4. U.S. Coast Guard Entry Level training for Small Passenger Vessels
  5. U.S. Coast Guard Basic Training
  6. U.S. Coast Guard Qualified Member of the Engineering Department Training.

Our first program leads to employment in the recreational boat repair industry. Employment prospects for our first program are excellent and the future prognosis for more requiring  trained people is also excellent. Starting salaries range between $28,000 to $32,000.

Our second program leads to employment in the Merchant Marine. Employment for the second program is also excellent with starting salaries between $38,000 and $45,000. 

You can learn more by contacting us at captbob@thefymt.org

FAQ

The first training session is 10 weeks long. The first training section has Safe Rigger, OSHA First Responder and ABYC Introduction to Marine Service Technology.
You will take a third-party test given by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute. Upon successful completion of that test, you will receive a certificate from ABYC recognizing you as successfully completing the Marine Service Technician assessment developed by ABYC.
Yes. We will help you find either an apprenticeship at a marine repair facility or a job at one.
Starting salary would be about $30,000 annually. After completing three years of work experience and further ABYC certification, you could expect your salary to increase to $45,000.00.
Many marine service facilities want their technicians to also become certified in outboard motor repair.
No. That training is only offered by the outboard manufacturers thru the service facility
If you choose to complete that, that training is an additional 8 weeks.
The second section contains onboard competency training, OSHA Deck Barge Safety Training, USCG Training for Entry Level Personnel on Towing Industry Vessels, USCG Basic Training and USCG Qualified Member of the Engineering Department training.
Excellent
Starting salary should be about $40,000.00. In three years you should expect to make about $60,000.00

Yes. Contact us to find out costs at CaptBob@thefymt.org

Success Stories

Florida Youth Maritime Training can help you write your own success story. It’s not easy but the reward for doing it is good.
Contact us today for more information.

Doug is a graduate from
our first class.

I was approached by Elder Foy from MADDADS about training to become a merchant mariner. At that time I was working in a warehouse for $12.00 an hour and working 30 hours a week. Our total time was always kept under 32 hours per week, so we were never considered full time employees.

I met Captain Bob Russo who trained us for 12 weeks. After graduation, he helped us find job interviews and he also provided some interview and resume training.

I was hired by the second company I interviewed with. Today I am earning $72,000.00 annually and have been able to buy a house for me family.”

Jamison is a graduate from our fourth class.

” I was working at a shipyard as general labor without much opportunity for advancement. I learned about this program thru MADDADS and applied. The training was not easy, but I put the effort in and passed.

Today I am working overseas and making a great living. I am being encouraged to advance in my profession. I recommend this program if you are having a hard time in life.”

Sonia is a graduate from our second class.

“I met Captain Russo because I was working for a day labor company and showed up to a job to clean out a building. I heard him talking on the phone about his program and I approached him about joining the class. I took the training and afterwards, I got a job on the St. Johns River Ferry. I volunteered to help in the engine room in addition to my deck duties. With time, I progressed and now am a Designated Duty Engineer and I make $130,000.00 a year. This program can really change your life.”

You can learn more by contacting us at captbob@thefymt.org