Our New York Center trained the deep-sea mariner, and coastal tug barge personnel, but such training is, for the most part, for those with no union affiliation or company sponsorship. This type of training was truly "mission based." At the end of 2005, no longer able to justify the cost of a New York based training center, the training center closed. But we did not abandon the mariner. Costs to obtain a license have increased to a point where it is beyond the reach of an average individual. To obtain an entry-level deep-sea license over 200 tons, the least an individual might spend is $15,000. SCI counsels those mariners that have nowhere else to turn and that have no help from other sources.

Our dedication to the mariner is evident to each and every individual that attends any of our centers. Quality courses and instructors that absolutely believe in SCI's mission statement are the norm.

SCI's Center for Maritime Education will continue to react to and act in advance of any "sea change" that occurs. The next "sea change" is already taking place. Mariners that are part of the baby boom are beginning to retire. While our deep-sea industry is producing enough replacements, coastal and inland fleets are beginning to feel these retirements. One company reports that 56% of their experienced officers will be of retirement age in 2-5 years. Industry-wide this number is at around 35%. SCI is already beginning the process of creating a program that will accelerate the time necessary to train a pilot without sacrificing safety or professionalism.

SCI has always been there for the mariner. The staff of the Center for Maritime Education will continue in SCI's historic legacy of reacting to and anticipating "sea change" in the maritime industry.