UAM Offers Free Deckhand Training

The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) in McGehee, in collaboration with the Arkansas Waterways Commission and the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Adult Education, is offering a free Inland River Basic Deckhand Training Program. The deckhand training program is funded under the auspices of Arkansas Adult Education. The six-week classes begin September 2 and include essential skills for mastering industry terminology, water safety, ServSafe, wire rope handling, winches and ratchets. 

For now, the course is free only to Arkansas residents who enroll and complete the WAGE I & II program. But for qualifying residents, UAM Adult Education will handle all expenses and application paperwork for obtaining Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWICs) and merchant mariners documents, according to Dorissa Kaufman, director of adult education for the UAM College of Technology-McGehee.

Kaufman said the university was approached by a maritime employer who needed help with workforce development, as well as by Cassandra Caldwell, director of the Arkansas Waterways Commission. University staff members researched the curriculum at Hinds Community College in Vicksburg, Miss., which offers a deckhand training program. The team spoke with towboat captains, current and retired, and other industry professionals in developing their curriculum. 

Kaufman said, if the program is successful, it may be expanded, if funding allows.