Driving Change: How Local Action is Transforming Maritime Education

Jamestown was founded over 400 years ago for its deep waters and safe location—making it a great seaport. Today, the Hampton Roads region continues to thrive as a maritime hub, with a mix of commercial, private, and military ships using our extensive waterways.

However, there’s a troubling trend in our maritime workforce. Fewer young people are entering the industry. Many high school graduates are choosing different career paths. A project manager at a local shipyard pointed out, “Attrition at the shipyard is essentially one-for-one.” The average age of shipyard workers is about 55 years old.

It’s not just the shipyards facing this issue. Nationally, enrollment in maritime academies fell significantly, from 7,350 students in 2017 to 5,918 in 2023—a drop of 20%. The number of graduates with unlimited licenses also decreased, going from 1,086 to 813 in the same time frame.

Licensed mariners are essential for America’s maritime infrastructure. They navigate boats through tricky waters, maintain safety standards, and contribute to maritime policy. They also offer vital support for the military through organizations like Military Sealift Command. Unfortunately, all these roles now compete for a shrinking pool of skilled workers.

During a recent discussion at Old Dominion University with leaders from the maritime sector, a common concern emerged. They used to receive trained mariners but now have to train them themselves. Many apprentices leave for other industries that offer better pay after finishing their programs. The real issue isn’t just about money—it’s a shortage of skilled workers across the maritime field.

So, how can we encourage new talent? A conversation with my son, who is 16, gave me some hope. He’s had great chances to explore maritime opportunities, like learning to sail in Norfolk and building a boat at Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop. He also studies in a STEM program at Grassfield High School.

I told him about the exciting careers in maritime. Fresh graduates from maritime academies can start as Third Assistant Engineers, earning over $100,000 a year. With commitment, they can become Chief Engineers in just five years and earn more than $200,000 annually, all while enjoying a balanced work schedule. This industry not only offers financial rewards but also develops leadership and critical thinking skills.

Recently, my son got accepted into one of the nation’s maritime academies. I’m proud of him, but I can’t help but question why more young people in Virginia don’t pursue similar paths.

Virginia lacks its own maritime academy and is not a leading provider of maritime professionals, which is surprising given the importance of the Port of Virginia. The port handles over 65.6 million tons of cargo each year and supports around 33,000 jobs in ship repair and building, making it a vital part of the economy.

Our region is in a prime position to nurture the next generation of maritime leaders who will impact American commerce and defense. We need to pave the way for our youth, encouraging them to explore these promising opportunities.

It’s time to take action. By investing in maritime education and inspiring young people to enter this field, we can secure the future of Hampton Roads as a maritime powerhouse. Whether it’s creating a maritime academy in Virginia or boosting access to existing programs, we need to act now.

Let’s work together to prepare the next generation to lead our ships and ports, shaping a brighter future for the maritime industry.

Benjamin Miner is a licensed professional mariner with over 25 years of experience at sea and on land. He has called Hampton Roads home since 2017, where he lives with his wife and son.