Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education
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The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is an educational facility in Piney Point, Maryland which is affiliated with theSeafarers International Union. Founded in 1967 in Brooklyn, New York as the "The Seafarers' Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship"[1], the Paul Hall Center is the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States.[2] The school was moved to the 60 acre plot at the confluence of the Potomac River and St. George's Creek[2] at the Piney Point location in 1991,[1] and at the same time renamed after former SIU president Paul Hall.
According to SIU, "Tens of thousands of rated and licensed seamen have completed upgrading classes at the training center. Additionally, more than 21,000 men and women from every state in the U.S., Puerto Rico and several U.S. territories have graduated from the trainee program for those just beginning their maritime careers."[2]
The center features a number of buildings, including:[2]
- the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School,
- the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship,
- the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Education Center, and
- the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum.
Prior to the opening of the Paul Hall Center, SIU maintained training facilities at five different ports. In 1966, the union bought the Piney Point site. The program grew to include other offerings, such as a reading skills program, a high-school equivalency program, an adult basic skills program, and English as a Second Language program.[2]
In 1978, SIU entered into an arrangement with Charles County Community College of Maryland which allows participants to earn an Associates of Arts degree. In 1993, the Maryland Higher Education Commission authorized the college program to change its degree award to an Associate of Applied Science degree and to a certificate program in Maritime Technology.[2]
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[edit] NCL America
In 2004, Norwegian Cruise Lines' NCL America division began operating the Pride of Aloha in Hawai'i. The cruise line was plagued by customer complaints which prompted them to seek out a training program for new employees.[3] The Paul Hall Center is currently the location of the training program. Approximately 150 NCL America employees undergo a three week training course at the school before sailing.[4]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b The late Paul Hall inducted to Labor Hall of Fame. American Maritime Officer. Retrieved on March 16, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Paul Hall Center: Meeting Industry's Needs Since 1967. School History. Retrieved on March 16, 2007.
- ^ Call it Norwegian boot camp. St. Petersburg Times Online. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
- ^ Innovations in Crew Training. Cruise Critic. Retrieved on March 18, 2007.
