About New England Maritime

Jim and Leanne Hurley launched New England Maritime in 1991 with a philosophy that a better educated mariner can take the knowledge gained in the classroom and apply it everyday on the water. After working as an instructor for Jim and Leanne, Patrick Cassidy bought the school in 2021, with a plan to build on the reputation firmly established by the former owners.

The school’s knowledgeable and dedicated instructors work with a curriculum developed from years of experience to give students the best chance of acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to launch a new business or career in the maritime industry. A small student to instructor ratio allows each student to reach his or her full potential. Instructors and facilities are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as well as the state and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, as required.

In 1996, New England Maritime was the first in the northeast to obtain course approval for the Master Limited or launch tender license. The course was monitored by Coast Guard personnel and received high praise for meeting their criteria in the areas of classroom instruction, and exam procedures.

In 1997, the National Maritime Center approved New England Maritime's OUPV and Master 100-ton near coastal courses. The school was the first in the Northeast to be approved through the Boston Regional Exam Center to offer training and examinations at our facility for these licenses.

Another first for New England Maritime came in the spring of 1997 when school officials worked with the Coast Guard inspectors and a local ferry service to provide a deckhand orientation program for new employees to meet regulatory requirements. Working in conjunction with the Barnstable County Fire/Rescue Training Academy, New England Maritime received Coast Guard approval in 1999 for a Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting course. This course not only meets the requirements for licenses of 500-ton and higher, but also satisfies STCW training certification. Students experience live fire evolutions in addition to classroom lectures. In 2000, New England Maritime's STCW Basic Safety Training received approval from the National Maritime Center. While the school has maintained approvals to teach all of these courses, the captains and launch tender classes have been the focus and source of demand, providing a gateway for students who may be new to the maritime industry.

In 2020 the school shifted from in-person classes to online courses but maintained live instructors and a hands-on approach to ensure students receive personalized instruction where needed as well as assistance completing the complicated application for a Coast Guard-issued Merchant Mariner Credential. Throughout the years, New England Maritime has continued to develop partnerships with other organizations in the maritime industry, producing robust connections in the field.

Although much remains the same under the school's new leadership - including the curriculum and talented instructors - Patrick has put a renewed emphasis on the core courses offered at the school, while exploring new opportunities for growth.