Ship Operations Cooperative Program

What Ship Operations Cooperative Program does

Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) is a 501(c)6 nonprofit, member-driven cooperative that improves U.S. maritime vessel operations through collaboration, facilitation, and standardized training content. Its membership spans ship owning and operating companies, maritime labor, training and educational institutions (including state maritime academies), individual mariners, regulatory bodies, and government/non-government organizations. SOCP organizes technical teams and working groups to address shared maritime industry problems — workforce development, safety culture, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance — at a fraction of the cost members would incur independently.

The organization's core technology is a catalog of maritime training content delivered as videos, computer-based training (CBT) modules, DVDs, guides, and SCORM-compliant eLearning programs that integrate with enterprise Learning Management Systems. SOCP's active product roadmap is centered on the SASH (Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment) Prevention and Response eLearning Program, the 40-hour SASH Contact Training Course, the SASH Desk Reference Guide, and supporting toolkits/posters developed under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). Most legacy products (Bridge Resource Management, Engine Room Resource Management, Personal Survival Techniques, anti-piracy training) are archived/out of stock.

SOCP generates revenue through three streams: annual membership dues across eight tiers ranging from $25 (student) to $5,000 (voting maritime organization), one-time product sales (with member discounts), and cooperative project funding from MARAD for specific initiatives such as the EMBARC Program. Distribution occurs through the SOCP website e-commerce store, direct LMS integration for enterprise buyers, free direct-download resources, and membership-based access. Program administration is outsourced to Moxie Media. SOCP does not engage in lobbying and operates as a non-partisan industry convener.

Name

Ship Operations Cooperative Program

Legal name

Ship Operations Cooperative Program

Website

https://socp.us

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ship Operations Cooperative Program is a 501(c)6 nonprofit member-driven cooperative that develops maritime safety and compliance training content, including SCORM-compliant SASH prevention eLearning, for U.S. ship operators, labor, academies, and regulators under MARAD cooperative agreement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Training and Safety Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO)

Keywords

• Maritime training programs
• Maritime safety education
• SASH prevention training
• Maritime cooperative membership
• Seafarer workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Woodinville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: SOCP generates revenue through membership fees from various membership tiers including maritime organizations ($1,000-$5,000), individual mariners ($250-$500), academia institutions, and government entities. Revenue is reinvested into SOCP programs as determined by members.
2. Product Sales: SOCP sells training products including videos, DVDs, CBT modules, and guides to members at discounted prices and to non-members at standard pricing. Products cover maritime safety, security, survival training, and operational procedures. Note: Many products are now archived/out of stock.
3. Cooperative Project Funding: SOCP receives funding through cooperative agreements with government agencies (e.g., Maritime Administration/MARAD) for specific projects such as SASH prevention and response program development.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SOCP is a 501(c)6 member-driven nonprofit cooperative that develops and distributes maritime training products and safety resources for the U.S. maritime industry. Its core offerings include SCORM-compliant eLearning programs (notably SASH Prevention and Response), training videos, computer-based training modules, DVDs, reference guides, and best practices toolkits covering maritime safety, security, survival, and workplace culture. The organization funds development through cooperative agreements with MARAD and partnerships with organizations like NOVA, and reinvests membership dues into collaborative industry improvement projects.

Product overview

Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) offers a portfolio of maritime training and safety products including video-based training programs, computer-based training (CBT) courses, reference guides, and free downloadable resources. Core offerings center on maritime safety (Bridge Resource Management, Engine Room Resource Management, Line Handling, Electrical Safety), survival training (Personal Survival Techniques, Enclosed Space Entry), ship security (Anti-Piracy, Shipboard Security Awareness), and workplace culture (SASH Prevention eLearning, SASH Contact Training, SASH Best Practices Guide). SOCP also provides free resources including Ballast Water Management guides, Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems guides, and crew change facilitation materials. Most products are currently archived/out of stock, with the organization focusing on SASH Prevention and Response eLearning as its primary active product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Maritime SASH Prevention and Response eLearning Program Comprehensive SCORM-compliant eLearning course for maritime industry on sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention. Meets EMBARC Standards Program requirements and supports Safer Seas Act compliance. Features realistic onboard scenarios, interactive decision-making, and adaptive learning paths. Available as SCORM package for LMS or standalone .exe application.
• SASH Desk Reference Guide for Maritime Personnel Practical quick-access reference guide for maritime personnel to respond effectively to SASH incidents. Developed in partnership with NOVA under MARAD cooperative agreement. Provides step-by-step response checklists, trauma-informed communication guidance, and reporting documentation tools.
• SASH Contact Training Course 40-hour comprehensive course for SASH Contacts in maritime industry. Developed with NOVA. Meets EMBARC standards and qualifies for NACP Provisional Certification. Covers trauma-informed care, reporting requirements, investigation processes, and victim/survivor resources.
• SASH Best Practices Guide Best Practices Guide on prevention of sexual assault, sexual harassment, retaliation, bullying, hazing, coercion, stalking, and other prohibited behaviors in U.S. Merchant Marine. Includes sections for Employee and Company guidance.
• Sexual Assault Sexual Harassment Tool Kit Tool kit containing 4 quick reference guide brochures for Company, Master, Shoreside Personnel, and Victims. Includes 17 downloadable SASH Prevention posters with themes including All Reports Investigated, Responsibility, Safety on Shore Leave, and Zero Tolerance Culture.
• Bridge Resource Management Training Training video informing sea-going personnel of Bridge Resource Management concepts and human factors involved in navigational safety. Covers bridge organization, pilot integration, voyage planning, situational awareness, communications, stress, fatigue, and leadership. Required by STCW convention and ISM Code.
• Crew Endurance Management System CBT Computer-based training program providing familiarity training for ocean going mariners on practices for controlling risk factors affecting crewmember performance and shipboard safety. Covers environmental and individual factors, light management, and crew endurance plans.
• Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program Training video based on ILO manual for establishing company-wide drug and alcohol prevention programs. Covers substance abuse dangers per STCW 1995 Amendments, including cause and effect of substance abuse, alcohol abuse, dangerous drugs, and crew member interventions.
• Electrical Safety for Mariners CBT Computer-based training course for merchant mariners on best practices to reduce risks associated with electrical systems aboard US Flag commercial vessels in all types of service.
• Enclosed Space Entry Training Training video covering hazards of confined or enclosed spaces, personal protective equipment, testing procedures, ventilating and inerting procedures, hot work and emergency and rescue procedures per OSHA, NIOSH, NFPA, and Coast Guard regulations.
• Engine Room Resource Management Training Training video applying Bridge Resource Management concepts to engine room operations with human factors as central theme. Covers engineering organization, team building, situational awareness, communications, stress, fatigue, leadership, and cultural diversity in relation to STCW.
• I Choose Not to Look the Other Way (Safety Culture Training) Safety culture training video engaging mariners through narrative to train via vicarious experience on effects of not speaking up when fellow mariners are at risk. Geared toward all professional mariners and personnel working onboard vessels.
• Information Systems Security Awareness CBT Computer-based training providing comprehensive overview of information systems security threats and recommended practices for maritime personnel. Covers corporate and government network security, personal computer use, password practices, social media issues, and specific mariners working aboard government-chartered vessels.
• International Safety Management Code Training Training video for ship operators implementing ISM programs. Covers international standard for safe management and operations of vessels, pollution prevention, human element capabilities, and certification requirements.
• Line Handling Training Video 45-minute training video on line handling best practices and safety procedures. Covers hazard evaluation, avoiding complacency, and following best practices to eliminate line handling accidents.
• Personal Survival Techniques (Part 1 of 2) Training video covering first part of Personal Survival Techniques requirements under STCW 1995 Amendments and Code of Federal Regulations. Covers evacuation, life rafts, personal life saving appliances, emergency electronic equipment, and survival at sea.
• Personal Survival Techniques (Part 2 of 2) Training video covering second part of Personal Survival Techniques requirements under STCW 1995 Amendments and Code of Federal Regulations. Covers lifeboats, fast rescue boats, and helicopter rescue.
• Personal Survival and Social Responsibility Training Training video identifying desirable and undesirable mariner behaviors in shipboard environment including procedures, penalties, and documentation of serious incidents in context of marine accidents.
• Mariner Credentials Guide Guide explaining process of qualifying and applying for all endorsements included in a Merchant Marine Credential. Covers application forms, medical standards, training courses, assessment procedures, and qualification requirements for both National and STCW credentials.
• Portable Foam Applicator Training Video Training video on proper utilization, operation and maintenance of PFA-95 unit, USCG-approved portable firefighting apparatus manufactured by IMSSCO Corporation. Covers attacking Class Bravo petroleum fires with AFFF foam capacity.
• Shipboard Accident Investigation Training Training video serving as aid for accident investigation teams and to make crewmembers aware of reporting importance. Covers all elements of investigation process with emphasis on identifying root causes and making corrective action recommendations.
• Shipboard Security Awareness Training Training video providing merchant ship crewmembers with awareness of possible threats against vessels and how to recognize when such threats might occur. Instills security awareness and provides practical advice.
• SOCP Anti-Piracy Video Training DVD with two complimentary sessions: Onboard Anti-Piracy Measures for Mariners and Crew Hostage Situation Awareness and Response. Developed to assist seafarers, vessel owners/operators, maritime unions, underwriters and government agencies in preparing crews for piracy attacks.
• Streamlined Boiler Automation Guide Step-by-step procedure to enable ship owners to obtain Coast Guard approval for using streamlined and less costly procedure for performing inspections for boiler automation systems.
• Vessel Familiarization CD Template Vessel familiarization CD template with detailed step-by-step instruction guide for operators to use in producing their own vessel specific training CD.
• Vessel Lay-up Procedures Video Video describing procedures necessary to prepare a vessel for long term lay-up based on BP Oil Shipping Company methods. Covers all actions for lay-up of steam powered tanker and periodic inspections required following lay-up.
• Ballast Water Management Systems User Guide Free user guide simplifying complex Ballast Water Management System regulatory framework with step-by-step methods for integrating and operating compliant BWMS.
• Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Selection Guide Free guide assisting in determining if scrubber is practical lower-cost solution to meet existing and future emissions regulatory requirements for all or portion of fleet.
• Biodiesel Fuels in the Maritime Industry Study Free study reviewing surface and marine use of biodiesel fuel including challenges regarding logistics, availability, economics, stability and handling, and federal/state laws and mandates.
• SOCP US Mariner Crew Change Facilitation Guide Free guide maintaining health of seafarers and Maritime Transportation System with protocols for keeping mariners safe during crew changes.

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 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 and minor.

• NOVA (National Organization for Victim Advocacy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2024SOCP partnered with NOVA to develop the 40-hour SASH Contact Training Course for the maritime industry. The course meets EMBARC Standards Program requirements and qualifies graduates for NACP Provisional Certification as Victim Advocates. NOVA contributed expertise in trauma-informed care and advocacy training.
• Maritime Administration (MARAD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSOCP operates under cooperative agreements with MARAD to develop SASH prevention and response tools for the U.S. maritime industry. MARAD funding supports the development of training programs, best practices guides, and prevention materials. The partnership supports the Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Program.
• Crowley Engineering ServicesminorOthersCrowley Engineering Services serves as the venue host for the 2026 SOCP Conference scheduled for September 30 - October 2, 2026 in Seattle, WA.
• Massachusetts Maritime AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMassachusetts Maritime Academy hosted the 2025 SOCP Spring Conference and is home to the SOCP Future Leaders Committee Chapter. The academy supports SOCP internship programs, research projects, and presenter activities for maritime students.
• MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMITAGS is represented in SOCP leadership through Catherine Gianelloni as Vice President and Director of Training. MITAGS participates in SOCP technical teams and workforce development initiatives.
• Ocean ShipholdingscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRobert Sheen from Ocean Shipholdings serves as SOCP Secretary and leads the Cybersecurity Working Group and Security Working Group. Ocean Shipholdings is represented in SOCP Operations Committee.
• TOTE ServicescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHayden Roberts from TOTE Services serves on the SOCP Operations Committee (2025-2026 term). TOTE Services participates in collaborative maritime industry projects through SOCP membership.
• CrowleycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNate Menefee from Crowley serves on the SOCP Operations Committee (2026-2027 term). Crowley participates in collaborative maritime industry projects through SOCP membership.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• International Chamber of Shipping: Principal international trade association for merchant shipowners and operators. Comparable in serving as a unified industry voice for maritime stakeholders, with broader global scope and stronger regulatory influence than SOCP.
• American Bureau of Shipping (ABS): Maritime classification society providing standards, certification, and advisory services. Overlaps with SOCP in maritime safety standards and training content, though ABS operates globally with a much broader commercial portfolio.

Direct peers

• Chamber of Shipping of America: U.S. maritime industry association representing shipowners and operators. Comparable to SOCP as a member-driven industry body focused on regulatory collaboration, training standards, and operational best practices for the U.S. merchant marine.
• American Waterways Operators: National trade association for the U.S. tugboat, towboat, and barge industry. Similar membership-based cooperative model serving domestic vessel operators, with comparable focus on safety, regulatory advocacy, and shared training resources.
• INTERCARGO: International trade association for dry bulk shipowners and operators. Comparable membership-based organization focused on promoting safety, regulatory compliance, and operational best practices for vessel operators.
• InterManager: International trade association for ship managers and crew managers. Similar industry association model focused on promoting best practices, training standards, and operational collaboration across vessel management companies.
• National Maritime Safety Association: U.S. maritime industry association focused on safety, security, and environmental protection. Comparable in promoting maritime safety culture, training, and collaboration across vessel operators and maritime stakeholders.
• INTERTANKO: International trade association for independent tanker operators. Comparable association model providing regulatory representation, technical guidance, and industry collaboration on safety, environmental, and operational issues for vessel operators.

Emerging players

• American Maritime Officers (AMO): U.S. maritime labor union and training provider for licensed deck and engine officers. Comparable in delivering maritime workforce development, professional training, and mariner credentialing support, with overlap in SASH prevention initiatives.
• MITAGS (Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies): Maritime training institution serving professional mariners. Comparable in delivering workforce development and certification training for the U.S. maritime industry, with overlap in SIM, STCW, and mariner credentialing content.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ship-operations-cooperative-program

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 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 Ship Operations Cooperative Program