geet ‘uae eg~ rede ) Secd Careers At Sea Beck To Veterans (NAPSA)—Veterans who have served their country horably in the Navy or Coast Guard are being offered a chance to train for a secd career at sea—for free. With competitive pay, freedom in scheduling, comprehensive medical coverage for themselves and their families, a pensi plan and a ctract that spells out safe working cditis and vacati benefits, life as a merchant mariner appeals to many veterans. Located in Piney Point, MD., the Paul Hall Training Center is affiliated with the Seafarers Internatial Uni (SIU). Its missi is to provide the training needed for a successful career as a United States Merchant Mariner. While knownfor its entry-level program, the Center also offers courses for veterans who have qualifying sea time in a deck or engine rating. Separated and retired persnel who have the necessary deck or engine ratings required by the U.S. Coast Guard tosit for the able bodied seaman's endorsement or the fireman/oiler endorsement may take advantageof this program. Applicants must have at least two years sea service in an accepted Naval/Coast Guard rating. Deck students attend a 10week able bodied seaman course and engine students attend an eight-week fireman/oiler course. Up successful completi of the course and a passing grade the Coast Guard exam, graduates are guaranteed a job aboard eof the uni's ctracted vessels. As with the apprentice program, there are no fees for tuiti, room or board. However, trainees = z ~ A training program offers secd careers to veterans of the Navy and Coast Guard. must cover the costs of travel, clothing and a pre-entry medical exam. All applicants must be able to present a history of their assignments while in the military and an horable discharge. Applicants cannot be parole or probati and must havea valid driver's license. Other separated Navy/Coast Guard persnel who do not qualify for the veterans program may still be eligible for the Center’s apprentice program. The Seafarers Internatial Uni, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO, represents unlicensed United States merchant mariners sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels in the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland trades. The uni also represents licensed U.S. mariners in the Great Lakes and inlandsectors. To learn more about the training center and the uni,visit the Web site at www.seafarers.org, or call toll-free at 1-877-235-3275.
