Western Pacific Maritime Academy, in partnership with Career Tech High Academy Charter School, kicked off the Merchant Mariner Credential Program at its Hågat Bay campus. 

“It is a tremendous opportunity for WPMA to launch its maritime training program on Guam through our partnerships with Career Tech, GCA Trades Academy, Guam Community College, and Guam Fire Department,” says Michael Bacher, Master Mariner and USN Captain (Retired).

“This program will open many doors for our midshipmen. It’s the first of its kind offered to high school students on Guam. I am grateful to WPMA and Cpt. Baker for choosing to partner with Career Tech for this inaugural offering,” says Career Tech Principal Wil Castro.

“This marks a significant step toward developing a skilled maritime workforce and strengthening leadership capacity for Guam and the broader region,” says Pastor Steve McManus, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Career Tech High Academy Charter School. “Both the Merchant Mariner Program and the Traditional Seafaring and Navigation Program are integral components of Career Tech’s Maritime Academy.”

The entry level mariner program kicked off on Sunday, April 13, 2025, with seven (7) students. The curriculum consists of FWE US Coast Guard (USCG) approved courses and a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The curriculum consists of four (4) courses together called Basic Training (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility, First Aid-CPR, Personal Survival Techniques, and Basic Fire Fighting), and Vessel Personnel with Security Duties. The course certificates become endorsements to the MMC.

MMC is a federally recognized credential that permits mariners to work at sea. WPMA’s training certificates are submitted to the USCG as endorsements to the MMC allowing the mariner to work in specific maritime ratings. 

Career Tech remains committed to equipping, engaging, and empowering high school students in order that they may attain an adequate education and certifications to be workforce and college ready.