Trans Tech Program Students at Baltimore’s New Era Academy Go to Sea on Edison Chouest Offshore Vessel

In June, former SCAA Executive Director and SCAA representative on the New Era Academy (NEA) Maritime Advisory Board for the past six years, John Allen, volunteered to co-escort seven New Era Academy Transportation Technology rising Seniors, on a two-week seagoing pathway experience in the Gulf of Mexico.  The Seagoing Pathway is the only approved Career and Technical Education Program in the state of Maryland that trains entry level Merchant Mariners.  Sea time is a graduation certification requirement for Trans Tech students.

Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD) says "If they can’t see it they can’t dream it, if they don’t dream it they can’t live it”.  When Congressmen Cummings met Mr. Gary Chouest,

President of Edison Chouest Offshore seven years ago, Mr. Chouest understood that idea.  Mr. Gary generously offered Congressmen Cummings a unique opportunity to support his vision - Give young people opportunities. To date, Edison Chouest Offshore has graciously hosted 63 Baltimore City Schools' students.  These students experience seagoing life and opportunities aboard working offshore vessels.

Very early on June 11th the students and chaperones flew from Baltimore to New Orleans then boarded a van to Edison Chouest Offshore’s headquarters in Cut Off, LA.  ECO provided the students with a wonderful meal, tour and an informative orientation session before heading down to Port Fourchon, LA.  At the port they boarded MV DEER ISLAND, a new 312-ft offshore vessel.  During their 14 days aboard ship the students spent their days assigned to watches and shipboard duties. These duties involved training in securing cargo, engineering, navigation, cooking, and the general responsibilities of the ship staff. A portion of this two-week adventure was spent in port observing the loading and unloading operations. They then set sail to offshore well drilling locations.

During the offshore portion of their expedition they transited 450 nautical miles in the Gulf of Mexico, visiting two deepwater drilling ships, DEEPWATER THALASSA and DEEPWATER PROTUS.  At each drill ship equipment and drilling cement were delivered, then back loaded equipment replaced the delivery.

By the end of the trip all the students and chaperones were ready to go home but they all walked away with an experience that they will never forget. Now these young people, like the ones before them, will have motivation to explore, try and envision themselves in a bigger world.  As a mentor that is why we must continue to support programs that help the future envision themselves in it! 

More information about the New Era Acedemy Transportation Technology Program