San Jac’s Maritime Campus Designated a 2024 Center of Excellence

Photo courtesy of San Jacinto College.

The San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center is a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration designated 32 Centers of Excellence on Feb. 22.

This prestigious recognition highlights institutions that equip students for maritime careers. San Jacinto College is the sole Texas institution among the 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam, operating in 44 cities. San Jacinto College was also named inaugural Center of Excellence designees in 2021. The application process for this recognition began in July of 2023 under the direction of Dr. Ken Tidwell, interim vice chancellor.

Established in 2016, San Jacinto College's Maritime Technology and Training Center spans 45,000 square feet along a turning basin in Port Houston. It boasts cutting-edge bridge and engine room simulators and offers more than 70 courses approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Moreover, it is the sole provider in Texas of an Associate of Applied Science degree in maritime transportation, integrating nationally approved training with collegiate-level academics.

The College's Maritime program has been instrumental in addressing the shortage of Gulf Coast mariners by fostering academic excellence and strong ties with industry partners. The Center of Excellence designation further strengthens these efforts, as the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration collaborates with designated institutions to enhance recruitment of students and faculty, improve facilities, and provide equipment and vessel usage support.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Center of Excellence,” said John Stauffer, associate vice Chancellor, Maritime. “This recognition reflects the support of our maritime industry partners, which allows us to navigate the waters to provide academic excellence and career success for our students."