The U.S. Maritime Administration (Marad) has donated an enclosed motor lifeboat to be used for maritime training programs at the Clatsop Community College (CCC) in Astoria, Ore.
The donation, received by the CCC Foundation, allows the college to meet training requirements for future mariners, the school said in a statement.
“This lifeboat comes at a crucial time,” said Capt. Michael Lee, CCC Maritime Science Instructor. “With recent U.S. Coast Guard regulations mandating motor lifeboat operation training, this donation ensures our students receive all the needed elements of maritime education.”
The lifeboat was donated from the Cape Horn — part of Marad’s National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) — while the 749’x105’ ship was at Vigor Shipyard in Portland, Ore.
Several maritime industry partners played a role in transporting the lifeboat to the college’s Marine and Environmental Research and Training Station (MERTS) campus.
Vigor used a crane to launch the lifeboat into the Willamette River and helped to facilitate transport logistics.
Tidewater Barge Lines’ 108’x34’ towboat Liberty towed the lifeboat down the Columbia River to Wuana, Ore., where the tow was transferred to the Maritime Science department's 50’x16’ training vessel Forerunner.
“This collaborative effort underscores the maritime community’s commitment to education and safety,” added Captain Lee. “We look forward to the enhanced training opportunities this lifeboat will provide.”
CCC is a Coast Guard-approved maritime school providing courses and training to help mariners maintain, renew, or gain licensing, training, and experience. As a Marad-designated “Center of Excellence”, CCC receives support for maritime workforce training and education.
