Training
Train where you want and M.E.B.A. pays the bill. With our best-in-class training plan you can take classes at the location of your choosing and get reimbursed as soon as you finish. If you want to train at M.E.B.A.’s own state of the art Calhoon School, then we cover all costs, including travel.
Calhoon School
We have our own private maritime educational facility for training our deck officer, engineers and other industry professionals. We will pay for room, board, travel and tuition.
Message from the Director
Virtual Visit: Calhoon School
The Calhoon M.E.B.A. Engineering School (CMES), as part of the M.E.B.A. Training Plan, is a continuing education facility located in Easton, Maryland, on the beautiful eastern shore. The CMES campus encompasses over 690 acres of waterfront property on the scenic Miles River.
The CMES training curriculum is divided into four categories; Deck Officer training, Marine Engineer training, Emergency Response (STCW and Government Vessel) training, and General Education. The Deck department has two full mission bridge simulators and one tug bridge to conduct upgrading courses and assessments that the USCG National Maritime Center approves. Licensed Ships Masters with years of sailing experience instruct all Deck Department courses.
Bridge Simulators
CMES utilizes two full mission bridges and a third tug bridge to conduct training and assessments for Licensed deck officers for USCG upgrade training and other certifications.
Life Boat
CMES conducts Lifeboat training on an open lifeboat complete with launching davit as part of the STCW Personal Survival Craft refresher and lifeboatman courses.
Fire Training
CMES has the distinction of being the only union Maritime training school with the capability to offer training on a replicate shipboard environment that meets STCW Basic Training requirements.
Damage Control
CMES utilizes an enclosed wet trainer designed for practical exercises to mitigate water intrusion for MSC Damage control training.
Amenities
CMES prides itself on providing a fun and relaxing atmosphere for its members and their families while they are in attendance, and allowing the members the opportunity to have family time while they are taking required training. The school offers: Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool - basketball court - tennis courts - fully equipped weight room with locker rooms - pontoon boats - fishing - paddle boards - canoes - kayaks - fully equipped cocktail lounge - game room - hunting - children’s playgrounds and playroom.
Training Plan
As a Training Plan participant, you will have immediate access to CMES. The course catalog is available to participants after 30 days of covered employment. While attending CMES, the Training Plan pays for members’ travel, food, and lodging while staying at CMES and all fees associated with training.
The Calhoon School offers state-of-the-art hands-on and computer-based training in a safe and pleasant environment in Easton, Maryland on the Miles River. Approved by the US Coast Guard since its founding in 1966, the Calhoon School currently offers more than 50 courses and seminars. As technology advances and national and international maritime standards change, the school adapts its curriculum to ensure that students stay current with the skills and knowledge necessary to keep waterborne vessels, as well as shoreside equipment and facilities, safe, competitive, and professionally maintained.
M.E.B.A. Members who are in good standing, may attend the Calhoon School after 30 days of covered employment with an employer that contributes to the Training Plan. Your training benefits include classes, lodging & meals at CMES, as well as transportation to and from the school. Travel arrangements are made through the M.E.B.A. Training Plan Travel Coordinator. The school’s website provides a wealth of information on classes offered, admissions procedures, updates on USCG & MSC training requirements, travel & arrival instructions, etc. Members are welcome to bring their significant other and children with them to make the time in class more of a family event than another “work requirement.”
CMES offers courses in the following disciplines: STCW requirements, deck officer general and license upgrading, emergency response, Military Sealift Command requirements, engineering, electrical, computer, and general education. A full list of the courses offered, their descriptions, and relevant regulatory approvals, as well as the current year’s class schedule may be found on the school’s website. Class lengths vary between three days to six weeks.
Deck officer classes focus on license upgrade requirements. Those classes include Advanced Meteorology, Advanced Ship-handling, Advanced Stability, Basic Safety Refresher and Revalidation, Tankship – LNG, Tankerman – DL and Fast Rescue Boat.
When the school’s schedule does not fit your work schedule, a member has the option of attending classes at an alternate location and the tuition is covered by the Plan. For alternate locations, deck officer lodging is also often covered by the Training Plan if inclusive with the class cost.
Emergency Response classes include Damage Control/CBRN, small arms and Vessel Security Officer and are open to all members.