Self––Finding oneself in today’s world can be overwhelming. Knowing what to expect of yourself is different from what we see on our phones or laptops. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, skills, and deficiencies and discovering who you are can be painful and exhilarating experiences. Learning to overcome conflict, influence others, and use your natural gifts can lead to a world of success. Building your character with good habits and work ethic, honing skills such as patience and understanding lead to relationships that help to guide you in the world. Attaining a sense of pride within yourself and finding a purpose in a career is a path to improvement, and to becoming your truest self. The self-exploration and self-improvement component of Sea Corps Education Curriculum targets the cadet’s personal attributes, improves areas that enhance workplace relationships, unlocks unseen skill and potential, and helps in their eventual job placement so that maritime jobs coalesce with who they are.
Sanctuary––No matter your religious background or worldview, every human needs a sanctuary; a place of stillness and peace where the world gets quiet, and space opens. The sanctuary of the sea has been the home of great ideas, reflection, insights, and inspiration. In the sea we have a sanctuary where nature and its life embrace you, and lets you take refuge in her arms from the storms of daily life. In the sea, life heals itself. The socio-emotional components of Sea Corps programs teach cadets how to take care of their minds and maintain good spirit by incorporating nature’s seas. Through practices such as meditation, affirmations, and other exercises led by professionals, cadets learn to use the space around them to create peace and rest for their mental states and heal from the wounds of the past. Sea Corps also offers adventure therapy to veterans and others affected by PTSD, which is implemented through professionally led classes and therapy voyages on the Oceanis 45’ sailboat owned and operated by Sea Corps.
Security— Everyone seeks security, a place to be safe and sure. Security is the attainment of confidence and credentials that allow you to take care of yourself and your loved ones. At its most basic level, a person who has attained a skilled craft will never be hungry or destitute. By learning a trade, one can bask in the security that they are qualified and valued by a specific career or line of work. The Sea Corps maritime certification program provides several trainings that offer young people the skills and certifications to enjoy the security of a maritime career. Through Coast Guard approved and required classwork, cadets attain their STCW license, transportation credentials, and join the seafarer worker’s union and enjoy its benefits. Sea Corps individualizes their job placement, finding the right fit for each cadet as they are sent to work in the merchant marine fleet. Cadets are taught basic financial skills, spending, and credit practices. Prior to sailing, the Sea Corps Education Curriculum helps the cadet learn about wages, insurance, benefits, and certification renewal so they can enjoy a lifetime of financial security while working in the maritime industry.
