Launch Your Maritime Career — For Free!

Join the WAVE Seafarer Readiness Program

Are you ready to start a career on the water?
The Youth Marine Foundation is offering free maritime workforce training through the WAVE Seafarer Readiness Program, funded by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

This program prepares socially and economically disadvantaged adult jobseekers to enter careers in Washington State Ferries and the maritime industry — one of Washington’s fastest-growing, high-paying fields.

What You’ll Get:

  • 40 hours of hands-on vessel training aboard a 110-ft training vessel

  • Job readiness coaching and career planning

  • All required credentials (including Merchant Mariner Credential, TWIC card, drug testing, and medical clearance) — at no cost to you

  • Essential gear & equipment (uniforms, PPE, boots)

  • Transportation and meal support during training

  • Limited wraparound support to help you focus on your future

  • Connections to maritime employers for real job opportunities

Who Can Apply?

We welcome individuals who are:

  • 18 years or older (17 with parental consent)

  • Washington State residents

  • Have NOT USED ANY illegal drugs (INCLUDING CANNABIS) within at least 90 days

  • From socially or economically disadvantaged backgrounds — including but not limited to:

    • Youth aging out of foster care

    • Recently exited juvenile rehabilitation

    • Experiencing homelessness or housing instability

    • Veterans or active-duty military transitioning to civilian careers

    • Women and minority jobseekers entering maritime trades

    • Low-income or underemployed individuals

    • Must NOT have used any drugs (including cannabis) within the last 45-60 days in order to past the mandatory drug test

Why Maritime?

Washington’s ferries, ports, and maritime industries need skilled workers — and you could be one of them! Whether you dream of working on a ferry, operating a commercial vessel, or starting a long-term maritime career, this program is your first step.

Limited Cohort Availability

The Seafarer WAVE Program is designed to provide personalized support, training, and career preparation. Because enrollment is limited, interested participants are encouraged to apply early to secure their place in an upcoming cohort.

To get a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) medical certificate, you must pass a physical exam and submit a completed USCG Medical Certificate Form CG-719K signed by a licensed medical provider

Required Medical Steps

  • Physical Exam Form (CG-719K): A licensed doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner must fill out, sign, and date the 10-page Coast Guard medical evaluation form. 

  • Vision Testing: You must meet specific standards for distance vision, near vision, and color vision (corrective lenses are allowed). 

  • Hearing Testing: You must pass a forced-whisper test or a formal audiogram if the doctor has concerns about your hearing. 

  • General Physical Fitness: You must show you can safely do shipboard tasks like climbing ladders, standing watch, and handling emergencies. 

  • Medical History: You must fully list all past surgeries, current medical conditions, and medications you take. Managed conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are usually approved if documented properly. [1, 2, 3]

  • Drug Testing: You must pass a separate Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant drug test or show proof of enrollment in a drug-testing program.