Avis Aqua - The Dispatch - Issue IV

This year, the U.S. Coast Guard held a Ports and Waterways Safety Assessment (PAWSA) with local waterfront stakeholders to identify major risk factors and develop solutions. One of the most significant concerns that emerged was a shortage of high-quality, safety-minded captains operating in the region. Representing Argonaut, Captain Ferguson and Captain Kit participated in the PAWSA sessions. Although we had already been developing a plan to offer a captain training course, the findings served as a clear call-to-action. We needed to address the shortage and strengthen maritime safety across the community.

After searching nationwide for programs to partner with and following an extensive review process, we selected Practical Navigator Training, led by Capt. Christopher Nolan. Together, we launched a hybrid-format captains class designed to meet all required education and testing standards for OUPV (Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels) through 100 Ton Master licenses. Students can also earn Auxiliary Sail and Assistance Towing endorsements, further expanding their professional credentials.

The course combines online modules taught by Capt. Nolan, with in-person study sessions held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Argonaut, facilitated by Capt. Jordan Kit. While the core curriculum includes roughly 80 hours of instruction, we offer an additional 30+ hours of structured study sessions and one-on-one tutoring. The online modules are self-paced, allowing students flexibility to learn and revisit material on their own time.

Our in-person sessions focus on reviewing course material, developing effective test-taking strategies, and assisting students with the paperwork and requirements necessary for licensure. The program is further strengthened by support from Argonaut staff, including Captain Samantha Landgraf, Captain Joseph Slusarski, and Rusty Deane. On November 11th, we also welcomed LT. Chad Kozan from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a guest speaker to discuss the real-world implications of the safety topics covered in class.

We currently have 13 students enrolled in the program—including two Davis A&M graduates, Patrick Crowell and William Whalen.

Students have the unique option to take their final exams remotely or in person at Argonaut. The course began on October 30th and held its final study session on Thursday, December 11th. Most students are scheduled to test this week.

Tuition for the course is $650, including all required materials—an intentionally accessible price point compared to other local offerings that cost more than twice as much. Our goal from the beginning was to make captain training both high-quality and affordable, because increasing the number of well-trained, safety-conscious captains makes Cleveland’s waterways safer for everyone.

Looking ahead, we plan to offer this course annually and are exploring additional partnerships with Practical Navigator Training to expand the maritime education opportunities available through Argonaut.

It was an amazing opportunity for students to get first-hand knowledge about the daily duties and responsibilities.

Thank you, Port of Cleveland, for welcoming our students and being such a valued partner!