Maritime Institute of Technology

What Maritime Institute of Technology does

MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies) is a non-profit maritime training institution founded in 1968 by the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (IOMMP) and converted to 501c3 status in 2021. The organization delivers U.S. Coast Guard-approved and STCW-compliant training from its East Coast campus in Linthicum Heights, Maryland and West Coast campus in Seattle, Washington, serving individual mariners seeking license upgrades, commercial shipping and workboat employers, government agencies including Military Sealift Command and Washington State Ferries, the offshore wind industry, and veterans using GI Bill benefits. Its product portfolio spans 24-28 month apprenticeship tracks (MAP, AB to Mate, Mate to Master, unlimited tonnage Third Mate), individual certification courses priced between $915 and $5,215, and specialized simulation research engagements for organizations such as Ørsted.

The organization's technology backbone consists of full mission bridge simulators, custom vessel modeling, visual area modeling, and interactive radar simulation equipment used for both training and third-party operational research. Its proprietary Navigation Skills Assessment Program (NSAP®) is a trademarked, risk-based competency assessment deployed through vetted International Training Centers in the Philippines, Croatia, and India. Revenue is generated through per-course tuition, multi-year apprenticeship fees, enterprise on-site and contract training (e.g., MSC, Washington State Ferries, Ørsted), custom simulation research services, and ancillary lodging at the Maritime Conference Center. Distribution combines direct enrollment via website registration, personalized admissions support, government and union partnerships, and a global NSAP® ITC network.

Name

Maritime Institute of Technology

Legal name

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies

Website

https://mitags.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

MITAGS is a non-profit maritime training institution founded in 1968 that delivers USCG-approved, STCW-compliant courses, multi-year apprenticeships, and proprietary NSAP® simulation-based competency assessments for individual mariners, commercial shipping employers, government agencies, and the offshore wind industry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Training Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Navigational Services to Shipping (48833), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Merchant Marine & Deck Operations (EDAOANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Maritime Safety, Security & Compliance (STCW/ISM/ISPS) (EDAOANAD), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF)

Keywords

• Maritime training courses
• USCG-approved certification
• STCW compliance training
• Maritime apprenticeship programs
• Shiphandling simulation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Linthicum Heights

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Maritime Training Courses: Individual course fees for USCG-approved maritime training including deck officer certification, STCW compliance courses, safety training, and professional development. Course durations range from days to weeks, with per-course pricing ranging from $915 to $5,215.
2. Apprenticeship Programs: Structured 24-28 month apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction, simulator training, and onboard sea service. Programs include Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP), AB to Mate, Mate to Master, and unlimited/limited tonnage pathways.
3. Custom Simulation Research Services: Operational research, ship handling studies, vessel modeling, and visual area modeling services for maritime organizations including offshore wind project simulations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

MITAGS delivers USCG-approved maritime training, STCW-compliant certification courses, structured maritime apprenticeship programs, and advanced simulation-based assessment and research services for individual mariners, maritime employers, and government agencies. Its proprietary Navigation Skills Assessment Program (NSAP) provides standardized risk-based evaluation of mariners' watchstanding competencies via a network of international training centers. Operations are anchored at East Coast (Baltimore, MD) and West Coast (Seattle, WA) campuses, complemented by enterprise partnerships, GI Bill-approved veteran pathways, and GWO-certified offshore wind training modules.

Product overview

MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies) is a non-profit maritime training institution offering a comprehensive portfolio of USCG-approved and STCW-compliant training programs. The core offerings include structured Maritime Apprenticeship Programs (MAP) that combine classroom instruction, simulator training, and sea service to advance mariners from entry-level to licensed officers. The Navigation Skills Assessment Program (NSAP)® provides objective simulation-based assessment of mariners' watchstanding competencies. Individual courses span STCW Basic Training, watchkeeping, shiphandling, navigation (celestial, terrestrial, radar/ARPA), firefighting, survival craft, security, meteorology, stability, and GWO offshore wind training. Simulation and research services support operational planning and crew assessment. Programs are delivered at East Coast (Baltimore) and West Coast (Seattle) campuses, with apprenticeship tracks including Workboat Mate (500-1600 GRT), Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate, Grand River Navigation (Great Lakes), and Washington State Ferries. Online and blended learning options supplement in-person training.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NSAP (Navigation Skills Assessment Program): An objective risk-based assessment program to evaluate mariners' core deck officer watch standing skills as defined by international standards and industry best practices.

Products and services

• Maritime Apprenticeship Program (MAP) Structured apprenticeship programs combining classroom instruction, simulator training, and onboard sea service to advance mariners from entry-level to Mate's license in approximately 24-28 months, including Workboat Mate, Grand River Navigation, Washington State Ferries, and Unlimited Tonnage Third Mate tracks. Targets individual mariners, maritime employers, and government agencies.
• Navigation Skills Assessment Program (NSAP) Proprietary, objective, risk-based assessment program that evaluates mariners' core deck officer watchstanding skills using simulation-based scenarios at International Training Centers worldwide; trademarked program serving both individual mariners and enterprise fleet operators.
• STCW Basic Training Comprehensive 5-day program combining fire prevention/fighting, personal survival techniques, first aid/CPR, and personal/social responsibilities required for all mariners with safety duties under STCW 2010. Priced at $2,155 (with lodging) or $1,545 per course.
• Watchkeeping (Operational Level) 12-day course required for Able Seamen upgrading to 3rd/2nd Mate, focusing on COLREGS, watchkeeping procedures, and Bridge Resource Management through 5 days of bridge simulation. Priced at $4,275 per course.
• Advanced Shiphandling (Week 1 & 2) Two-week full-mission simulator course required for 2nd Mates upgrading to Chief Mate/Master, covering traffic separation schemes, pilot station maneuvers, docking, tug interaction, and emergency procedures.
• Celestial Navigation (Operational Level) 19-day course required for Able Seamen upgrading to Mate licenses, covering sextant use, sight reductions, star identification, and position fixing using celestial bodies. Priced at $2,860 per course.
• Radar Observer (Unlimited) 5-day Coast Guard-approved course covering radar principles, collision avoidance, risk assessment, and navigation using commercial RADAR equipment with hands-on simulation. Priced at $1,435 per course.
• ARPA (Automatic Radar Plotting Aids) Course for officers serving on ARPA-equipped vessels covering collision avoidance, COLREGS application, and ARPA display operation on Raytheon, Sperry, and Furuno systems. Priced at $1,595 per course (4-day duration).
• Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Training GWO-certified training modules including Basic Safety Training, Fire Awareness, First Aid, Manual Handling, Sea Survival, and Working at Heights for offshore wind industry personnel.
• Advanced Firefighting STCW 4-day STCW 2010 required course examining firefighting techniques, command functions, and organization with live firefighting activities at the West Coast campus. Priced at $1,255 per course.
• Custom Maritime Simulation Research & Ship Handling Studies Simulation services for operational research, vessel modeling, visual area modeling, and offshore wind capabilities used by maritime organizations for assessment, planning, and crew training.
• Vessel, Company & Facility Security Officer (VSO/VCF) 3-day course covering maritime security procedures, risk analysis, MARSEC levels, and incident response compliant with MTSA, ISPS Code, and STCW requirements. Priced at $1,385 per course.
• Search & Rescue 3-day course providing thorough knowledge of IMO Merchant Ship Search and Rescue Manual (MERSAR) procedures as practiced by US Coast Guard and international standards. Priced at $1,290 per course.
• Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation & Compasses 15-day course required for Able Seamen upgrading to Mate, covering traditional navigation, chart work, electronic navigation, and magnetic/gyro compass use and correction.
• Basic Shiphandling Course for Able Seamen upgrading to Mate using full mission simulation to practice turning circles, stopping distances, man overboard procedures, and anchoring. Priced at $4,215 per course.
• Ship Construction & Basic Stability Course providing basic understanding of ship stability and construction, covering displacement, buoyancy, statical stability curves, trim, and free surface effects. Priced at $1,440 per course.
• Advanced Meteorology 5-day course required for Chief Mate/Master upgrade covering weather forecasting, tropical systems, wave theory, tide predictions, and computer routing programs. Priced at $1,855 per course.
• Able Seafarer Deck 5-day course for Ordinary Seafarers upgrading to Able Seafarer rating, covering mooring, anchoring, cargo handling, rigging, safety, and pollution control competencies.
• Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch (RFPNW) 22.75-hour course satisfying STCW requirements for rating watchkeeping duties, covering helm operations, lookout procedures, and safe watch monitoring.
• Proficiency in Survival Craft Course covering duties required to launch and take charge of survival craft and rescue boats using davits, lifeboats, and simulation for emergency scenarios.
• First Aid and CPR 8-hour USCG-approved first aid course providing life-saving skills including CPR, AED use, bleeding treatment, and burn care for maritime environments.
• Emergency Shiphandling-5 Day Advanced 5-day course for experienced mariners practicing demanding shiphandling techniques including docking, azipod operations, and customized emergency scenarios. Priced at $5,215 per course.
• Online & Blended Learning Programs Distance and hybrid learning options allowing mariners to complete portions of training remotely before attending in-person simulation sessions.
• Continual Improvement Workshop Series Trademarked professional development workshops designed for ongoing maritime career advancement and skill enhancement.
• Leadership Courses Courses focusing on managerial skills, human relations, and leadership development for maritime officers and management positions.
• Maritime Cybersecurity Courses Training addressing cyber threats, security protocols, and best practices for protecting maritime systems and operations.
• State Pilot Programs Specialized training courses for state harbor pilots covering port navigation, waterway transit procedures, and pilot-specific skills.
• Tug and Barge Courses Training programs specific to towing vessel operations, barge handling, and workboat maritime skills; includes the 2025-launched Z-Drive Tractor Tug Training offering.
• Basic Training Revalidation 2-day STCW revalidation course for mariners maintaining their Basic Training credential. Priced at $1,120 per course.
• Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) 16-hour basic fire fighting course for STCW compliance covering fire prevention, extinguishing media, and fire response on board vessels. Priced at $915 per course.
• Z-Drive Tractor Tug Training New 2-day Z-Drive Tractor Tug Training course launched at MITAGS-West in October 2025 for maritime professionals working with tractor tug operations.
• Electronic Chart Systems New course at MITAGS-West launched in June 2025 teaching Electronic Chart Systems for navigation professionals.
• Recreational Boating - Operational Basics New recreational boating course launched at MITAGS-West in June 2025 covering operational basics for participants.
• AB to Mate Program Career progression pathway allowing Able Seamen to upgrade to Mate licenses through structured MITAGS coursework and sea service.
• Mate to Master Program Career progression pathway allowing licensed Mates to upgrade to Master credentials through MITAGS coursework and sea service.

Quantifiable outcome

• License advancement from entry-level to Mate in approximately 2 years through apprenticeship programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and secondary.

• Washington State FerriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 April 2024Full-scholarship training partnership to train new ferry mates. MITAGS provides classroom instruction, simulation training, and sea service coordination for Washington State Ferries apprenticeship program with full scholarships for selected candidates.
• Grand River NavigationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 August 2023Partnership to train next generation of ships' officers on the Great Lakes through apprenticeship program. Grand River Navigation provides onboard training vessels for apprentices in the Maritime Apprenticeship Program, with new cohort classes starting at MITAGS-Baltimore.
• ØrstedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2020Offshore wind partnership for navigation simulator development. MITAGS created simulated wind farms and realistic vessel models enabling Ørsted to conceptualize project layouts and train vessel operators for U.S. offshore wind market entry. Won 2021 Ventus Award for this project.
• Military Sealift Command (MSC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSC mariners training and credentialing programs at MITAGS facilities for government maritime personnel.
• International Organization of the Masters, Mates and Pilots (IOMMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1968 by IOMMP, MITAGS serves as the primary training center for union members. Non-profit trust dedicated to enhancing professionalism through maritime leadership, education, training and assessment.
• Philippine Center for Advanced Maritime Simulation and Training (PHILCAMSAT)secondaryTechnology or IntegrationInternational Training Center (ITC) for NSAP assessments in Manila, Philippines. Vetted through rigorous training and licensing process for standardized maritime competency evaluation.
• Advanced Maritime VenturesecondaryTechnology or IntegrationInternational Training Center (ITC) for NSAP assessments in Supetar, Croatia. Part of global network for standardized mariners assessment.
• Anglo-Eastern Maritime Training CentresecondaryTechnology or IntegrationInternational Training Center (ITC) for NSAP assessments in New Delhi, India. Part of worldwide assessment network.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academy: Wärtsilä operates a global network of maritime training centers offering simulation-based engine, propulsion, and watchkeeping courses. As a broad incumbent with a much larger corporate parent and global delivery footprint, it competes with MITAGS in the simulation-based maritime training market.

Direct peers

• Massachusetts Maritime Academy: Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a state maritime college offering USCG-approved marine transportation programs with full mission simulation, producing STCW-certified deck officers for the same merchant marine workforce as MITAGS. Its simulation facility capabilities directly compete with MITAGS-East.
• Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: Operated by the Seafarers International Union (SIU), the Paul Hall Center is a union-affiliated vocational maritime training school delivering USCG-approved deck and engine training plus STCW courses. Like MITAGS, it combines apprenticeship, simulation, and certification pathways for working mariners.
• SUNY Maritime College: SUNY Maritime is a New York state-funded maritime college offering USCG-approved deck and engine officer programs leading to STCW certification. It competes with MITAGS for both deck officer candidates and the employer-sponsored training market on the US East Coast.
• Texas A&M University at Galveston (Maritime Academy): Texas A&M Maritime Academy is a state maritime institution delivering USCG-approved deck officer training and STCW certification along the Gulf Coast. It overlaps with MITAGS in producing licensed mariners and offers competing apprenticeship and license-upgrade pathways.
• United States Merchant Marine Academy: USMMA (Kings Point) is a federal service academy that combines a bachelor's degree with USCG-approved deck/engine credentials, producing STCW-certified merchant marine officers for US-flag fleets. It competes with MITAGS for top maritime talent and government-sponsored training partnerships.
• California State University Maritime Academy: Cal Maritime is a four-year degree-granting state maritime academy delivering USCG-approved deck officer training alongside bachelor's degrees. While broader in academic scope, it produces USCG-credentialed merchant marine officers competing for the same mariner talent pipeline that MITAGS serves through its apprenticeship and upgrade programs.
• Maine Maritime Academy: Maine Maritime Academy delivers USCG-approved marine transportation and marine engineering degrees with STCW certification. Its deck officer training pathway, simulation facilities, and apprenticeship-style sea service requirements directly overlap with MITAGS's core offering.
• Calhoon MEBA Engineering School: Calhoon MEBA is a union-affiliated maritime training school offering USCG-approved upgrade courses for licensed engine and deck officers, closely paralleling MITAGS's MAP and license-upgrade programs. Both institutions serve maritime union members seeking credential advancement with similar regulatory frameworks.

Others

• Seagull Maritime: Seagull Maritime provides computer-based maritime training content and onboard e-learning used by ship operators for STCW compliance. Rather than directly competing for residential course enrollment, it serves as an enabling technology and content provider that shipowners often use alongside (or as a substitute for) institution-based training.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpBvDF1rafAxg1TIpJc6TtQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/MITAGS.East
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mitags-maritime
• Instagraminstagram.com/mitags_maritime
• Xx.com/mitags_maritime

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maritime Institute of Technology