The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced that The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) is among 27 entities designated as Centers of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). The CoE designation recognizes colleges and training institutions that prepare students for careers in our nation’s maritime industry. These institutions are located in sixteen states and one U.S. territory. CFK is one of two organizations and the only college in Florida to receive the designation. 

“Our collaboration with these institutions represents an important expansion of MARAD’s role in supporting maritime education and will help form pathways to good-paying American jobs in our nation’s maritime industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a press release from MARAD. 

Authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2018, the CoE program is designed to assist the maritime industry in gaining and sustaining a well-trained labor force while enhancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. 

For over 50 years, CFK has supported local and regional maritime industries with education and training opportunities at its waterfront Key West Campus, situated between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Programs include an Associate in Applied Science in Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship, certificates in Marine Propulsion and Welding, as well as non-credit courses. Through these opportunities and others, the College provides professional training for careers in many maritime sectors, including gasoline and diesel engine repair and maintenance, welding, fiberglass boat building and repair, small boat handling and operations training, diving business and technology, marine environmental technology, and ecotourism and hospitality. 

With the CoE designation, CFK can now work with MARAD to enhance programs and services for students and faculty, to upgrade facilities, to award credit for military service, and to potentially receive assistance in the form of surplus equipment or temporary use of MARAD vessels. 

“This honor is a testament to the caliber of CFK’s maritime education and career training programs. It speaks to our dedication and effectiveness as a premier workforce provider,” said Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President and CEO. “The CoE designation is an important stamp of approval that CFK’s reputation and relationships with industry partners is among the best. Our students and faculty can be proud of the programs’ quality, and our partners now have additional validation of our efforts.” 

CFK currently has active partnerships with industry and workforce education providers such as Yamaha Motor Corporation, Bombardier Recreation Products (BRP), the National Maritime Workforce Alliance, and the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI). The College is a member of the Marine League of Schools with the American Boating and Yacht Council (ABYC), the American Welding Association, the American Academy of Underwater Science (AAUS), and Diver’s Alert Network (DAN). Such collaborations ensure that students and graduates are equipped with the academic and industry credentials and skills necessary to succeed in their field upon graduation. 

“The Center of Excellence designation from MARAD is verification that CFK’s Marine Science and Technology programs and esteemed faculty are training well-prepared, highly skilled, and qualified graduates for the growing industry of maritime professionals,” said Jack Seubert, CFK Dean of Marine Science and Technology. Dean Seubert is looking forward to working with MARAD. “CoE designation opens the door for cooperative agreements that increase student and faculty recruitment, training opportunities, and expansion of programs and facilities, ultimately contributing to an innovative and resilient maritime workforce.”