On July 12, the American Yacht Harbor buzzed with anticipation as families gathered to witness a significant milestone for the students of the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA). The occasion was the sunset graduation sailing excursion, a celebratory event marking the culmination of rigorous training and the beginning of promising careers in the marine industry.
VIPCA plays a pivotal role in marine education in the Virgin Islands and is not just an association but a beacon of hope for many aspiring marine professionals. Through its 501(c)(3) charity arm, the Marine Rebuild Fund (MRF), VIPCA has been dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities within the marine sector. The MRF, fiscally sponsored by the Community Foundation Virgin Islands (CFVI), diligently raises funds throughout the year to support its flagship initiative: the annual month-long intensive “Marine Apprenticeship.”
The VIPCA Marine Apprenticeship training is extensive, encompassing a variety of essential marine skills and certifications. It includes a five-day sailing course at the St. Thomas Yacht Club, training in sail and powerboat operation, and coverage of seamanship, upkeep, and customer service. Participants also receive instruction in swimming, SCUBA diving, First Aid and CPR, and boating safety. The program further includes comprehensive lessons in navigation, Rules of the Road, and other theoretical knowledge necessary for marine professionals.
Training also covers marina and dock management, charter vessel maintenance, and charter business operations. Technical proficiency is developed in areas such as diesel engines, outboards, electrical systems, and plumbing, with additional insights into marine jobs in government agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard. A notable training component is the five-day STCW Basic Training (Standards of Training and Certification of Watch-keeping), valued at $1200 per student.
Jafari Reed, one of the program’s participants, shared his excitement and gratitude. “Our experience, I guess, for the first day, we started off with snorkeling and customer service. Then we got into actually doing charters and driving the ferry. I already knew how to swim, but driving a boat was new to me. It’s a good experience and good people to meet. Every day we were working with a different company, meeting different captains and crews. Everybody teaches differently, so you might learn the same thing from someone else but understand it better from a different captain,” he said. Reed emphasized the invaluable experience of meeting new people and learning hands-on skills that he plans to use in his future business endeavors.
Brigitte Berry, a member of the Marine Rebuild Fund, highlighted the program’s impact. “The program is completely free for everyone who participates. It’s five weeks of full days of learning. We’re seeing a difference in what our boating industry looks like. Several years later, there are more local captains. The program is about creating opportunities and ensuring that our waters and history are represented by locals who know them best,” Berry explained.
VIPCA’s program breaks down significant barriers that have historically limited local participation in the yachting and marine industries. By providing comprehensive and accessible training, the apprenticeship opens doors for many who might not have otherwise had the opportunity to enter this field.
