Application Process and Admission Requirements

The application process to the TECH Program is selective. The Program only accepts applicants whom the Admission Committee determines will be able to successfully pursue a seafaring career. A candidate must demonstrate that he or she possesses the discipline, ability, and fitness level necessary to work as a licensed marine engineer in order to be accepted into the Program.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the TECH Program must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements

  • Must be 18 or older.
  • Must be a United States citizen and possess a valid US passport.
  • Must be able to obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) issued by TSA.
  • Must be able to meet all U.S. Coast Guard qualifications/requirements for the issuance and upgrades of a Merchant Mariner's Credential
  • Must have no criminal record.


Physical Requirements

Applicants must meet the following physical requirements:

  • Be in good physical, mental and dental health. Applicants must be able to pass a complete physical and drug test performed by an AMO Plans contracted clinic.
  • Have blood pressure normal for their age.
  • Have teeth in good medical condition.
  • Have normal color vision as determined by USCG approved color vision testing.
  • All applicants must have a minimum of 20/200 vision in each eye, and corrected to 20/50 in both eyes.

NOTE:Successful applicants who wear corrective lenses or glasses will need to bring either two (2) pairs of glasses or one (1) pair of glasses and one (1) pair of contact lenses with them at the start of the TECH Program.



Application Process

Applications for the TECH Program are received and processed continuously and must be submitted by the interested candidates themselves, not a proxy.


The Admissions Committee meets twice every year to select candidates for class convening dates.

Application Guide

The TECH program application includes:

  1. Write an essay, of no less than 400 words, about "Why I want to be a merchant mariner and work in the maritime industry." The essay must be typed on a computer to be uploaded.

  2. Submit a one-page resume.

  3. Provide three (3) non-family character references (ONE FROM EMPLOYER SEE BELOW) to be sent electronically to the Admissions Office. Letters should include the persons name writing the letter, their relationship to you and a contact phone number. Please be sure they include your full name.

    4. ONE REFERENCE LETTER MUST BE FROM YOUR CURRENT OR MOST RECENT EMPLOYER, TEACHER OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL, PREFERABLY ON COMPANY LETTERHEAD. LETTERS FROM RELATIVES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

  4. Provide high school transcripts.

  5. Provide college transcripts (if applicable).

  6. If prior military, provide a copy of your DD-214 long form. If discharge from military was anything other than honorable, please provide information about discharge as well.

    7. Mail Transcripts to:

    Student Services, Attn: TECH Program
    2, West Dixie Highway
    Dania Beach, FL 33004

    NOTE

    1. Any money spent as part of the application process is non-refundable and the sole responsibility of the applicant.

    ONLY COMPLETED APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE DEADLINE WILL BE REVIEWED

    Complete and submit the STAR Center TECH Program application form. Click here to open the TECH Program application form.

    NOTE:

    1. Please be sure to have your essay and scanned copies of your letters of recommendation ready to upload.

    If you have any questions regarding the TECH program application form or process, please submit your question to:

    • Please email questions on the application process not addressed on our FAQs page toTECH@star-center.com

    It is YOUR responsibility to insure that your documents are received by STAR Center before the deadline date.