Pat Podolan is the STCW Clerk and Sea Project Specialist for the Great Lakes Maritime Academy (GLMA) in Traverse City.
As Pat noted in his PowerPoint presentation, GLMA  is one of only six maritime academies in the U.S., and the only one on an inland lake.  GLMA is part of Northwestern Michigan College, and it shares space on NMC's campus with the school's Culinary Institute.
 
GLMA cadets earn a bachelor's degree with national and international credentials.  Last year GLMA had 56 graduates, for whom the demand was "ultra high."                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
GLMA's Engineering Program leads to a Coast Guard license as a Third Assistant Engineer (unlimited) steam and diesel.  Engineering graduates are in particularly high demand, both for shipboard and shoreside employment.
 
All cadets must take two classes in Naval Science, and they may qualify for enrollment in the Student Incentive Program under which they receive a stipend of $8,000 and a commission in the Naval Reserve.