MPT Hosts Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets for Hands-On Maritime Training

03 Apr 2025 by Dr. Crystal Craft

MPT Hosts Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets for Hands-On Maritime Training

On March 8, 2025, Maritime Professional Training (MPT) proudly welcomed the Fort Lauderdale Division of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) for an immersive day of hands-on training. The event provided young cadets with the opportunity to gain real-world maritime skills, reinforcing MPT’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and youth development in the maritime industry.

The Navy League Cadets (ages 10-13) participated in Basic Medical and Basic Firefighting training, learning fundamental emergency response skills to build confidence and preparedness. Meanwhile, the Sea Cadets (ages 13 through high school) took on more advanced training, including:

? Basic Personal Survival Techniques (PST)
? Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR)
? Line Handling
? Basic Simulator Training

These courses were led by MPT’s **expert instructors—Dima, Georgia, Farhad, and Bernie—**who brought their extensive maritime experience into the classroom and training sessions. Their guidance provided cadets with valuable hands-on learning, reinforcing critical decision-making skills that mirror real-world maritime industry scenarios. Additionally, Dr. Craft wrote the courses to be tailored to the cadets training needs.

A Legacy of Leadership: The History of the Sea Cadet Program

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has a proud tradition dating back to 1958, when it was established to instill leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of service in young Americans while introducing them to the maritime and military professions. Since its founding, the program has provided thousands of cadets with valuable hands-on experience, mentorship, and training, shaping future leaders in both civilian and military careers.

MPT has a special connection to the Sea Cadet program. Ted Morley, one of MPT’s owners, was a Sea Cadet from the Fort Lauderdale Division, the very same unit that trained at MPT during this event. His personal journey from Sea Cadet to maritime professional reflects the impact and opportunities the program provides.

Similarly, Dr. Craft, a key figure at MPT, was a Sea Cadet at Lakehurst Naval Base in New Jersey, where she rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer before attending SUNY Maritime College. Now, her son, Caysea Zimmerman, is carrying on the tradition as a current member of the Sea Cadets, reinforcing the program’s generational impact.

MPT: A Pillar of Maritime Education and Community Service

Maritime Professional Training has been a cornerstone of maritime education for over four decades, providing world-class training to mariners worldwide. As one of the largest private maritime training facilities in the United States, MPT is dedicated to excellence in education and the advancement of maritime professionals at all levels.

Beyond its professional training programs, MPT is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Hosting the Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets is just one example of how MPT supports the next generation of maritime leaders by providing hands-on experiences that prepare them for future careers at sea.

Through mentorship, training, and real-world applications, MPT continues to uphold its mission of shaping skilled, responsible, and confident maritime professionals—a mission that extends beyond classrooms and simulators into the heart of the community.

As these dedicated cadets step outside their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and hone their skills, MPT is honored to be a part of their journey. Their training today may set the foundation for a lifelong career in the maritime industry, ensuring that the proud traditions of the Sea Cadets continue for generations to come.