Cultural Maritime Training Center
Careers on the water, rooted in our culture
The CMTC trains our community for work in the CNMI's growing maritime industry, in the boatyard, on our canoes and in the classroom.
Express interestWhat it is
A training center in our boatyard
The Cultural Maritime Training Center is based in our working boatyard in Lower Base, Saipan. It offers professional and vocational maritime training tracks that lead to satisfying, culturally grounded careers.
Students learn in the classroom, in the boatyard, at Guma Sakman and on our canoes, which serve as floating classrooms.
Who it is for
Chamorros and Carolinians who want a maritime career that lets them live and work in their home islands
Anyone in our community who wants to learn and share in our maritime culture
Students from age 12 for sailing and navigation, and from 18 for canoe fabrication
Training tracks
Nine ways to train
Choose one track or build on several.
Traditional Canoe Fabrication and Repair
Build traditionally designed canoes with modern materials.
Age 18 and up. Physical requirements apply.
Traditional Sailing and Voyaging
Canoe sailing and seamanship, from lagoon sailing to open ocean voyages.
Age 12 and up. Able to swim or willing to learn.
Traditional Navigation
Open ocean wayfinding taught by Carolinian Master Navigators.
Age 12 and up, with approval from the Navigators.
OUPV / Near Coastal (6-Pack) Captain License
A licensing track for captains. Ask us about the next class.
Master Near Coastal Captain License Upgrade
An upgrade for licensed captains. Ask us about the next class.
Assistance Towing Endorsement
An endorsement for licensed captains. Ask us about the next class.
CPR and First Aid
Core safety skills for anyone who works on or near the water.
Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Learn to teach American Red Cross swim and water safety courses.
Age 17 and up by the end of the course, with current lifeguard, first aid, CPR and AED certification.
Lifeguard
Supervision, rescue, first aid, CPR and AED use. Teens can prepare through the Gamsun Project.
Age 15 and up by the final exam.
Maritime careers
Work that keeps you close to home
Islanders have always had a natural affinity for the sea. Our tracks prepare students for careers on and in the water that let them work and live in their home islands.
Canoe builder and repair technician
Sailor and voyaging crew
Traditional navigator
Licensed boat captain
Swim instructor and lifeguard
PSS Co-op program
High school students in the boatyard
Each semester, through the Public School System Co-op Job Program, high school juniors and seniors work in our boatyard 15 hours a week. They gain real job experience while they learn to build traditional canoes.
Funding and partners
Supported by the Administration for Native Americans
Programmatic funding for the CMTC comes from a Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant from the Administration for Native Americans, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Our community programs began with an earlier three-year ANA SEDS grant.
Administration for Native Americans
SEDS grant funding for the CMTC
Northern Marianas College Community Development Institute
Certificates of completion
CNMI Indigenous Affairs Office
Provides our boatyard and canoe house
Express interest
Want to join a training track?
Tell us which track interests you. Call 670 323-SAIL (7245) or send us a message, and we will let you know when the next class starts.
Express interest