The push for more merchant mariners
IPR’s Claire Keenan-Kurgan went aboard the Great Lakes Maritime Academy’s new training tugboat to learn about the demand for merchant mariners.
Cadets train to learn how to operate tug boats like this one in the Soo Locks.
Merchant mariners are facing a labor shortage of entry level officers at the same time President Trump is seeking to expand the industry.
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy in downtown Traverse City is one of seven schools in the country that trains cadets to operate U.S. cargo ships.
IPR’s Claire Keenan-Kurgan went aboard the academy’s new training tugboat to learn more.
