CAPE MAY, NJ – Cape May County Technical High School (Cape May Tech) has launched a new Marine Maintenance program in collaboration with local industry leaders Yamaha Motor Services, Marine Max, Pier 47, Young’s Fiberglass, and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. These leaders have been instrumental in the creation of this program by providing resources, curriculum and connections with additional industry partners.  By offering a direct path to employment without requiring a four-year college degree, this program aims to prepare students for lucrative careers in the maritime industry.

"With Cape May County’s strong maritime tradition and growing boating industry, Cape May Tech’s new Marine Maintenance Program provides students with the training needed to step directly into high-demand careers,” said Superintendent Jamie Moscony. “It also ensures our local businesses have access to a skilled, prepared workforce.”

“For decades, the commercial fishing industry provided the pipeline of employees the Ferry relied on for both casual and full-time marine staff,” said Derek Robinson, Port Captain at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.  “The industry footprint is not what it was 25 years ago, forcing a change in our recruiting efforts.  The new cooperative program provides another pathway for locals who are interested in a maritime career, like those available on the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.”

The program was designed with the local community's needs in mind, recognizing the Cape May area's economic demands. It was developed over several years by an advisory board that includes Captain Meghan Palmer and other Cape May-Lewes Ferry crew members. Given that the Ferry now requires a greater number of marine and engine room staff due to a decline in the commercial fishing business, the initiative proves particularly essential.

The Marine Technologies program was facilitated by two substantial grants from the State of New Jersey, which Cape May Tech received in 2022 and 2023. The school's aging buildings were renovated with the initial grant of $5.7 million, and its program base was expanded with the second grant of $19.2 million.

A key component of the program is the chance for students to gain practical training and "sea time" aboard Cape May-Lewes Ferry vessels. By lowering the sea time requirement for an Able-Bodied Seaman endorsement from 360 to 180 days at sea, the USCG made it possible for students to earn a high school diploma and an advanced USCG endorsement in as little as two years.

The new program offers a variety of valuable credentials, such as a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC), a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) for direct employment on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, and OSHA 10 certification. Students who successfully complete the training program will also receive three Yamaha Service Skills Training certifications.

In the future, the school plans to collaborate with the Cape May County Adult and Community Education Department to establish an adult education program. This will additionally encourage hiring for casual maritime personnel roles like engine room assistant (Wiper) and Ordinary Seaman.

About Cape May County Technical High School
Cape May County Technical High School is a public vocational-technical school located in Cape May Court House, NJ. The school's mission is to produce civic-minded graduates who possess the skills and knowledge to be active participants in the global workplace, whether through employment or higher education. The school's curriculum includes a wide range of career and technical education programs, from automotive mechanics and culinary arts to communication arts and pre-engineering, providing students with hands-on learning experiences and preparing them for the future. Cape May Tech serves students in grades 9 through 12 from across Cape May County. For more information, please visit www.capemaytech.com or call  609-380-0200.

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry 
Owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Cape May – Lewes Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 50 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. As an integral transportation system connecting the communities and economies on both sides of the Delaware Bay, the Ferry service is a significant catalyst for economic growth and regional tourism activity in New Jersey and Delaware. Its operations sustain over 4,000 jobs while generating tens of millions of dollars in local taxes and hundreds of millions in regional economic activity. For schedules and rates, please visit www.CMLF.com or call 800-643-3779. 

Media Contacts:
Jamie Moscony, Superintendent
Cape May Technical High School
Jmoscony@capemaytech.com

James Salmon
Director of Communications and Marketing
James.salmon@drba.net