U.S. Department of Transportation (MARAD) Designates Chapman School of Seamanship a
Maritime Center of Excellence for Domestic Workforce Training and Education
Federal designation recognizes Chapman’s maritime training, workforce outcomes, and role in preparing the next generation of America’s maritime professionals
STUART, Fla. — August 25, 2026 — Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship has been designated a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD), recognizing Chapman’s success in preparing highly skilled mariners and marine technicians for careers critical to America’s maritime industry.
The Secretary of Transportation awarded the designation to the Stuart-based nonprofit for its combination of intensive technical instruction, industry partnerships, and ability to respond to workforce demand. Chapman’s accelerated, U.S. Coast Guard-approved career pathways create a direct pipeline of qualified mariners and technicians into the commercial maritime and marine service sectors.
“This designation is an extraordinary honor for Chapman and an affirmation of the work this school has been doing for more than five decades,” said Jim Allen, CEO of the Chapman School. “Our mission has always been grounded in giving people the practical knowledge, technical skills and real-world experience they need to be safe and succeed on the water and in the maritime workforce. Federal recognition as a Center of Excellence is a tremendous milestone for Chapman, our students, our instructors and the maritime community we serve.”
MARAD’s Centers of Excellence program recognizes maritime training institutions that demonstrate success in preparing Americans for careers throughout the industry while strengthening the skilled workforce needed to support U.S. maritime competitiveness.
Chapman’s designation reflects its distinctive structured experiential learning model, combining classroom instruction with intensive hands-on training aboard vessels and in technical environments. Chapman’s “Learn at the Helm” teaching method ensures students move beyond theory to build practical, job-ready skills.
Among Chapman’s core career programs are its 360-hour Professional Mariner Training program, 360-hour Yamaha Marine Maintenance certification program, and Yacht & Small Craft Surveying program, supported by a dedicated underway training fleet. Chapman also provides pathways toward U.S. Coast Guard credentials including Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV), Master up to 100 Gross Registered Tons and Able Seaman ratings, while expanding training in marine electronics and other high-demand technical fields.
Chapman maintains a 97.8 percent graduation rate and 90.4 percent immediate job placement rate across its core training programs, demonstrating its ability to move students efficiently from education into the maritime workforce.
A formal agreement with U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting Command provides qualifying Chapman graduates another pathway to service, allowing eligible graduates to enlist directly as active-duty Petty Officers at the E-4 pay grade.
The Center of Excellence designation recognizes Chapman’s broader role in strengthening the nation’s maritime workforce and preparing individuals for careers both at sea and ashore.
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About the Chapman School of Seamanship
Founded in 1971, Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship is a nonprofit maritime training institution located on a nine-acre waterfront campus in Stuart, Florida. For 55 years, Chapman has prepared professional mariners, marine technicians, surveyors, recreational boaters, veterans and young people with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to operate safely, build meaningful maritime careers, and contribute to a strong and sustainable maritime industry. Chapman provides accelerated career training, U.S. Coast Guard-approved instruction, technical education and experiential learning designed to meet the evolving needs of America’s maritime workforce.
