Are You The
NEXT GENERATION
Of Washington State
Ferry Workers?
People with no prior experience can qualify for Coast Guard-approved maritime positions in 12 WEEKS!
Attend an information session!
Starting in July, information sessions will be held every Tuesday and Thursday through September 9th. To attend, please contact Gloria Nakroshis at 206.513.9833 or at gnakroshis@seattlejobsinit.com
Get to Know the Working On the Water (WOW) Ship Handling Instruction Program
A free, 12-week training and employment preparation program that gets you career-ready for positions at Washington State Ferries or other maritime employers.
- Seattle Jobs Initiative
- Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS)
- Skagit Valley College COE Marine Manufacturing & Technology
- Seattle Central College – Maritime Academy
We will help you obtain:
- Medical exam – includes urinalysis test
- TWIC card – background check required
- Merchant Mariner Card (MMC) – 3rd week of class
SJI can assist you with food, housing, transportation, childcare, school, clothing, safety gear, and more!
Our Team
With decades of combined social services experience, the WOW maritime team is deeply passionate about connecting individuals with living-wage careers.
Amesha Jewell
Senior Program Manager
Gloria Nakroshis
Program Manager
Shannon Gaule
Maritime Career Navigator
COMPASS was developed by Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA) – Seattle Central College, Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), and Northwest Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing & Technology (NWCOEMMT).
The program was made possible by funding from the Washington State Department of Transportation.