PMI Approved for G.I. Bill by U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs

Published Nov 9, 2005 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

Gregg Trunnell, Director of the Pacific Maritime Institute (PMI), announced that the Institute has received approval for G.I. Bill funding by the Department of Veterans' Affairs for mariner license training programs.

"Retired or military personnel entitled to G.I. Education Benefits may now enroll at PMI for our Mate and Master License Advancement Programs," said Gregg Trunnell. "This financial assistance is critical for retired or active military mariners that want to transition into the U.S. Merchant Marine. The G.I. Bill benefits will cover U.S. Coast Guard training that is necessary for 'Officer in Charge of Navigational Watch' at the operational or management level of Mate or Captain."

Retired military personnel with adequate sea service can use the G.I. Bill to accelerate advancement to Mate or Captain. Ex-military without adequate sea service may use their G.I. benefits to help pay for PMI's two-year 'Mate 500/1600 Gross Tons Program.' Students successfully completing the programs at the Institute are entitled to sit for U.S. Coast Guard licenses.

PMI has also applied for Accreditation through the Department of Education (DOE). As an accredited training facility, eligible students will be entitled to student aid, which would include student loans and grants. Upon DOE certification, PMI will be the only maritime training facility in the United States that provides both V.A. Education Benefits and DOE student loan and grant opportunities for its students.

PMI is currently enrolling students who are eligible for the "G.I. Bill". For more information regarding Veterans' Administration Education Benefits or any other programs available at PMI, please contact Ms. DeeDee Lazik at 206 838-8328 or via e-mail at [email protected]. You may also visit the PMI website at http://www.mates.org.