The School
Maritime Institute, Inc. was founded by Chief Frank Gaines.in 1978. H.G. "Rags" Laragione has been the President and CEO since 1996. Rags is retired from the U. S. Navy and currently holds a U. S. Coast Guard Masters License of 100 Tons; a Mates License of 500 Tons; with Assistance Towing and Sailing endorsements. In addition, he holds an International Yachtmaster's Offshore Instructor's Certificate for both Power and Sail.
The Courses
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard and The National Maritime Center certify us for Federally approved courses. Our certified courses meet or exceed the requirements of Title 46 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations. Maritime Institute, Inc. is strictly regulated by the U. S. Coast Guard and The National Maritime Center. In addition, we are approved by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) for California Law Enforcement.
Our Master 100 Ton and Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV) Course is our most popular course. It is U.S. Coast Guard approved. This means we provide training and administer the exam on site. The 80-hour course is designed to have students achieve their goal of a U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s License. This license allows you to captain a vessel with passengers for hire, teach on the water boating classes, and do numerous other on-the-water activities where a license is required.
The Staff
The U. S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard and National Maritime Center approve all of our instructors. The instructors are all knowledgeable and professional; their backgrounds vary from retired U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy personnel to active Merchant Marine Officers.
Who We Train
Our students come with various backgrounds, interests, and experience levels. Individual students are often seeking to begin or upgrade careers as professional mariners. A growing portion of our training is for U. S. Navy SEAL teams, Special Boat Units, Torpedo Retriever Squadron and Explosive Ordinance Disposal teams. Additionally, we provide training for DEA, Customs, Immigration, Border Patrol and Harbor Police from various cities.
International Yachtmaster® Training At Maritime Institute
Earlier this year we announced our affiliation with International Yachtmaster Training, Inc. Maritime Institute Inc. is able to provide certification training for both power and sail yachts.
International Yachtmaster® Training, is the world's leader in Megayacht crew training for both sail and power. These certification courses are fully approved by the United Kingdom’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency and United States Coast Guard. These courses are the most sought after yachting qualifications for professional crew and the serious recreational yachtsman.
Community Services, and The Mobile Training Team
The Maritime Institute Inc. makes speakers available for boat shows seminars, clubs, service clubs, and private meetings. Our "Mobile Team" of Instructors is available to conduct classes at client training facilities. This is very cost effective when compared to sending multiple students to one of our locations. Our commitment is to produce the highest quality curricula, and the best learning experience available anywhere, while remaining flexible to the needs of our students.
Hands on Training or Charter aboard our Rhumb Punch
Personal instruction for boat handling skills or on bridge electronic navigation instruction can be arranged aboard your vessel or ours, Rhumb Punch.
Rhumb Punch is also available for day or week charter. More information and rates are available here (please click).