Page 4: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 1999)

Letter to the Editor The article entitled, "Go to the Head of the Class" (MR/EN, Sept. 1999) presents a refreshing example of progress in maritime education. Professors Femenia and Butman of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) are to be com-mended for developing a Shipyard and Marine Management Program that is responsive to the needs of the maritime industry, and one that exemplifies the synergy of education and industry working together. I commend NASSCO and Atlantic Marine for their participation as men-tors, providing internship opportuni-ties that successfully foster the goals of the program. Their investment in the program appears to be paying off. A few years ago I was invited by Prof. Butman to participate in the program as an "industry consultant," making several presentations to the midshipmen on port engineering top-ics, and providing guidance to a group of students during the prepara-tion of their Capstone project. At the conclusion, I was invited to attend the project presentations along with other industry professionals. The pre-sentations were impressive and a sure sign that the program would be suc-cessful. From a professional stand-point, I found the entire experience to be both rewarding and enjoyable. The following summer I arranged for two midshipmen to intern with my port engineering staff during a major ship overhaul. Both midshipmen par-ticipated in the routine (and non-rou-tine) tasks of the overhaul manage-ment function, and they did an out-standing job, learning first-hand the job of running a major overhaul from a shipowner's perspective. I encourage shipyards, shipown-ers/operators and maritime profes-sionals alike to support this program, either as mentors or to facilitate rele-vant internship opportunities for the midshipmen. This program certainly provides a win-win situation for both the students and the industry. Richard Thorsen, PE, ACTA Maritime MARITIME REPORTER & ENGINEERING NEWS Editorial & Executive Offices 118 E. 25th St., NY, NY 10010 Tel: (212) 477-6700; Fax: (212) 254-6271 e-mail: [email protected] PUBLISHERS Charles P. O'Malley John E. O'Malley John C. O'Malley Vice President/Editorial Director Gregory R. Trauthwein EDITORIAL Assistant Editor Regina P. Ciardiello Technical Editor David Tinsley Editorial Consultant James R. McCaul, president, International Maritime Associates Manager of Information Systems Susan Cosme MARKETING Marketing Manager Mark Manziano PRODUCTION Production Manager Adam Hellman Asst. Production Manager Luis Mendes CIRCULATION Circulation Manager Dale L Barnett ADVERTISING SALES Director of Sales Lucia Annunziata Regional Sales Manager Angela Criscola Regional Sales Manager Andrew Sweeney Tel: (561) 368-2196 Regional Sales Manager Robert C. Howard Tel: (561) 368-4233 Classified Sales Representatives Carrie Rivera Patti Hawthorn Tel: (561) 368-3306 WEST COAST Amy Stewart 1126 Ninth Street Manhattan Beach, Ca., 90266 Tel: (310) 374-1085; Fax: (310) 374-1436 [email protected] U.S. GULF COAST James N. McClintock Simpson Corporate Park, Indigo House, Suite A, 206 South Tyler Street, Covington, La. 70433 Tel: (504) 893-5099; Fax: (504) 893-5024 Why Cat engines? Because out here, surviving a rough day at the office requires more than a couple of aspirin. Free Diesel Engine Catalog In rough weather, you learn what your engine is made of. In the case of Cats engines, that would be the best design, components and support available. To learn more, hail us by phone, fax or e-mail. After all, rugged seas call for rugged engines. Contact us at one of the numbers below. Cat Marine Engines are rated from 200-9600 bhp (150-7200 bkW) PATCDDII IAD North America: 800-321-7332'Worldwide: 309-578-6298«Fax: 309-578-2559.E-mail: [email protected] U15.I Enr ILLAll Circle 292 on Reader Service Card Advertising Sales Information Telephone: +212-477-6700 4 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News