Tacoma Youth Marine Center

10/13/2026

Your Future Is on the Water. Start Your Maritime Career for Free!

10/02/2026

A huge thank you to Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for coming to the graduation of our Seafarer Readiness Program today! This was our largest cohort yet - all 14 participants who started the program graduated!

The Seafarer Readiness Program is a 3-week long course for adults aged 18+ that helps participants get their Merchant Marine Credentials (MMC) and Transport Workers Identification Card (TWIC) for FREE! In addition, each student also gets at least 40 hours on the water training on our 110 foot long vessel, the Doolin-Rogers and resume writing and mock interviews with feedback.

The maritime industry is facing a demographic cliff. Many experienced workers are retiring and we need qualified individuals to fill those positions. MMC and TWIC are the very first credentials that can get someone in the door for these careers. We are honored to take the decades of experience we have teaching youth and translating it to helping adults connect with a rewarding future.

If you or someone you know is interested in this program, please fill out the form here: https://www.tacomaymf.org/wave-seafarerprogram

Thank you to Port of Tacoma & WSDOT for the funding that supports this program!

09/09/2026

You’ve saved the date. Now we hope you’ll come be part of it.

Launch the Future is a chance to come together, celebrate the young people whose lives are being changed, and recognize the community that makes it possible.

Join us October 4 for an evening of stories, connection, and a look at what’s ahead for Youth Marine Foundation.

We would truly love to see you there.

Together, we launch the future

09/03/2026

🚢 Your Next Career Could Take You Places!

Looking for a career with great pay, stability, and room to grow? ⚓

Youth Marine Foundation’s FREE Seafarer Readiness Program helps adults 18+ get the training, credentials, and career support needed to launch a career in the maritime industry — no experience required and no cost to you!

📍 Info Session — Every Friday at 11 AM
Youth Marine Foundation Training Facility
820 E. D St., Tacoma

🎯 Bring: Birth Certificate • Social Security Card • WA State ID

📞 (253) 572-2666 ext. 110
🌐 Learn More Here

Your maritime career starts here. ⚓

09/01/2026

Dear Friends,

One year ago, Youth Marine Foundation faced an uncertain future. School budget reductions threatened educational opportunities, charter programs were uncertain, and difficult decisions had to be made.

Instead of scaling back, we chose to move forward.

With the support of educators, maritime employers, workforce partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders, the Youth Marine Center has grown into a regional resource for education, leadership, workforce development, and maritime opportunity.

Over the next 12 months, the Youth Marine Center will support:

• 351 educational and workforce voyages
• 7,000 student and workforce learning experiences

Join us for the Launch the Future Annual Celebration Dinner as we celebrate this year of transformation and build what comes next.

Sunday, October 4, 2026
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Tacoma Youth Marine Center
820 E. D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421

Your ticket helps young people experience hands-on learning, develop confidence and leadership skills, and discover pathways to maritime careers.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY: https://event.auctria.com/f66431c8-7436-41b3-958f-93d565e716ed/

Together, we are building the future of Washington’s maritime community.

With gratitude,
Youth Marine Foundation

08/11/2026

Looking for more than just a job?

The maritime industry offers careers that provide competitive pay, long term stability, opportunities to advance, and work that makes a real difference.

The Youth Marine Foundation's FREE Seafarer Readiness Program is designed to help adults launch a career on the water. You'll receive hands on training aboard a 110 foot training vessel, industry recognized credentials, job readiness coaching, transportation and meal support, essential gear, and direct connections to maritime employers.

Primary Requirements:
• 18 years of age or older.
• At least 90 days drug free, including cannabis use.

If you're ready to build a future with purpose and opportunity, this is your chance.

📞 (253) 572-2666
📧 [email protected]

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave servicemen and women who sacrificed for our freedom. Thank you for your courage, service, and the legacy you leave behind.

05/23/2026

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday on the water with Youth Marine Foundation aboard the Doolin Rogers! 🇺🇸

Choose from a daytime cruise or experience the fireworks lighting up the Tacoma waterfront during our Evening Fireworks Cruise. Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit for an unforgettable 4th of July celebration.

🎆 Daytime Cruise, $35
🚢 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM departures

🎇 Evening Fireworks Cruise, $125
🚢 Departs at 9:00 PM

Tickets are on sale now. Space is limited.

Daytime Cruise Link:
https://tacomaymf-4thdaycruise.auctria.events/

Fireworks Cruise Link:
https://tacomaymf-4thcruise.auctria.events/

05/15/2026

We’re proud to share that Youth Marine Foundation’s Seafarer Readiness Program was recently featured in the Washington State Ferries weekly update newsletter.

This recognition highlights the impact of our WAVE Seafarer Readiness Program and the life changing opportunities being created through hands on maritime workforce training aboard the Doolin Rogers.

Congratulations to our newest graduates as they continue their journey toward careers in the maritime industry. Thank you to our partners at Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries for supporting pathways into family wage maritime careers across Washington State.

05/12/2026