U.S. Merchant Marine qualification for displaced fisherman Education assistance for fishermen for changing careers to U.S. Merchant Marine

Original project goals and objectives: (1.) The project awarded $400 tuition grants of NOAA funds to each of 50 displaced fisherman. To be eligible, a fisherman was required to show at least 360 days of service on board a fishing vessel, pass a drug and physical exam and to be approved by the U. S. Coast Guard to take an exam for able seaman. The grants were utilized by Northeast Maritime Institute to prepare the students for the the exam. The object was to utilize fishing experience to qualify for Coast Guard qualifications that lead to employment in the U. S. Merchant Marine. (2) The passing rate of Coast Guard exams was 100% measurable. The subsequent employment rate was about 90% measureable. (3) There were no modifications or original project goals and objectives. (4) Goals and objectives were attained in that the project moved at least 40 fishermen out of the fishing industry and into employment in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Grant no. NA56FK0087