"Islands of the Lateen Sails [is] an appropriate name on account of the great quantity of canoes that were seen to come out of these islands to the sea, all with sails - as soon as these islanders had seen our ship, that it seemed they covered the sea all around us. For a while they gave us great pleasure and a wonderful entertainment, to see their canoes so well made, of narrow boards painted in various colors and skillfully joined and laced together, in a fine and very beautiful form, so light that they looked like birds that fly in that sea." — Carlettis, Italian traders aboard the San Pablo, 1596
Our islands were once known for its people who excelled in swimming, canoe building, and sailing. It takes no stretch of the imagination to see that a community with a deep and historic affinity to the ocean, that built ingenious sailing canoes and voyaged to distant islands using their own system of navigation, would likely have continued to thrive on the water today had their maritime practices not been disrupted by colonial rulers. The Cultural Maritime Training Center aims to re-establish a strong maritime community in the Marianas by providing professional training tracks that lead to careers on and in the water — professions that are a natural fit for islanders.
The CMTC is located in 500 Sails' boatyard in Lower Base, Saipan. The facility is a working boatyard with classrooms and administrative offices. Learning activites take place in the classrooms, the boatyard, in the canoe house (Guma Sakman), and aboard canoes that serve as floating classrooms.
The Traditional Canoe Fabrication & Repair track provides students the opportunity to learn how to build traditionally designed canoes using modern materials though both formal classroom instruction and hands-on practice in the boatyard. The curriculum will incorporate maritime industry best practices for boat building and workforce training.
Certification: Certificate of Completion - Traditional Canoe Fabrication & Repair from the Northern Marianas College Community Development Institute.
Average Cost: Variable on Residency Status - — scholarships may be available.
Requirements and Eligibility:
Class Schedule: TBA - estimated start in 2024
The track teaches traditional canoe sailing and seamanship. Students progress from beginner, to intermediate and advanced with instruction taking place both in the classroom and on the water in 500 Sails' canoes. Initial sailing takes place in the Saipan lagoon and advances to off the reef near shore, then open ocean. As skills improve, students are challenged with night sailing, rough water sailing, and eventually take voyages of increasing distances. Courses are taught by experienced voyagers and traditional navigators.
Certification: Student receive a Certificate of Completion — Traditional Sailing & Voyaging from the Northern Marianas College Community Development Institute, and accrue U.S. Coast Guard recognized sea time.
Length of Study: Variable - depends upon individual student progress
Average Cost: Variable on Residency Status — scholarships may be available.
Requirements and Eligibility:
Class Schedule: TBA - estimated start in 2023
This course teaches students traditional, open ocean wayfinding skills. Students receive instruction in the sacred art and science of traditional navigation as taught in the Weriyang and Fanur schools of traditional navigation under the tutelage of Carolinian Master Navigators Cecilio Raiukiulipiy and Mario Benito. The course involves both formal classroom and on-the-water study. The Navigators may identify participants to be inducted in the Weriyang or Fanur schools of traditional navigation to continue their studies.
Length of Course: At this time, there is no set time frame for the completion of the course.
Cost: Free
Requirements and Eligiblity:
Students must gain prior approval from the Navigators prior to enrollment. Call (670) 323-7245 (SAIL) or email info@500Sails.org for schedules and enrollment information.
The Upgrade — Master Near Coastal license allows a captain to operate an inspected up to 100 GRT vessel up to 200 miles offshore and in any inland waters in the US, and to carry more than six paying passengers.
The course is taught by an Adams Marine Seminars' highly qualified U.S. Certified Instructor in 500 Sails' CMTC classroom in Lower base, Saipan. The course takes 8 hours a day for three days for a total of 24 hours. Test immediately after the class at the same location.
Master's License Purpose: For those who wish to take more than 6 paying passengers on uninspected and inspected vessels up to 100 GRT. Best suited for those who wish to operate ferry boats, harbor tour boats, whale watching tours, and water taxis.
Class Schedule: TBA
Requirements and Eligibility: The Upgrade — Master Near Coastal course is open to anyone who has an OUPV / Near Coastal (6-Pack) license or who has completed the OUPV course and passed the test.A negative DOT5 drug test is required prior to training. 500 Sails will provide a list of approved local test facilities.
Cost: $375
Cancellation and Refunds: In the event of student cancellation, course registration costs including deposit are non-refundable, but are transferable to any other Adams Marine Seminiars class, either at the CMTC or elsewhere. In the event that the course is canceled by the CMTC, registration costs including deposit are fully refundable.
Financial Assistance: Qualifying students may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for the course based on financial need and availability of funds. Students may apply for financial assistance before or after class enrollment. Course costs paid before a financial assistance determination has been made will be refunded up to the amount of the financial aid awarded.
U.S. Coast Guard Master Near Coastal License Requirements:
Becoming a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) allows you to teach American Red Cross swimming and water safety courses Levels 1-6 (which includes Parent and Child Aquatics and Preschool Aquatics) and Adult Swim. You can teach private classes or work for any agency that provides swim lessons. Earn your WSI certification so that you can help teach others how to be safe in, on, and around the water.
The course will cover water safety in theory and in practice and the hydrodynamics of movement through the water. It includes:
Length of Course: Blended Learning: 15+ hours online followed by 30+ hours of classroom training
Cost: TBD
Eligibility:
To qualify for the Water Safety Instructor course you must:
Requirements for Certification:
Class Schedule: To be Advised - estimated start in January 2023
Lifeguards are responsible for the general supervision and safety of swimmers. They recognize and mitigate hazards, preventing drownings and injuries from occurring, and respond to emergencies.
Through videos, group discussion, and hands-on practice, you'll learn teamwork, rescue and surveillance skills, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and other lifesaving skills. Successful course completion provides a 2-year Lifeguard certification that includes first aid, professional-level CPR and AED.
The course is taught by instructors from Western Pacific Training Solutions, LLC. Both Pool and Waterfront certifications are included.
Length of Course: 35+ hours, traditional classroom setting with practical in-the-water training
Cost: $400 (estimate) - Scholarships may be available depending upon need and availability of funds.
Eligibility:
Here's what you'll need to do to qualify for a lifeguarding course (you must be 15 years old by the final exam to enroll):
Note: The 500 Sails Gamsum Project provides a free prerequisite lifeguard training program to high school juniors and seniors on Sundays at 12:30pm and Wednesdays at 4:30pm at the Guma Sakman.
Requirements for Certification:
Course Dates: Scheduled as needed depending upon need.
Call (670) 323-SAIL or email info@500Sails.org to enroll.