Former Alaska Ferry E.L. Bartlett eastbound for its new home at Seattle Central’s Seattle Maritime Academy
What
Former Alaska Ferry E.L. Bartlett eastbound for its new home at Seattle Central’s Seattle Maritime Academy.
Media are invited to meet former Alaska ferry E.L. Bartlett, Seattle Maritime Academy’s newest acquisition to its fleet, as the 177-foot vessel journeys from her current home to a new permanent home at the Seattle Maritime Academy in Ballard. Donated by longtime king crab fisherman, Lloyd Cannon, the 930-ton training ship is considered one of the largest training ships in the nation’s community college system. Valued at $4.2 million, the Bartlett will soon take its place as the centerpiece of the instructional program of the Academy.
When
Thursday, January 31, 2008, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Where
Seattle Maritime Academy, 4455 Shilshole Ave. N.W.
Directions
One block east of Ballard Bridge. From NW Market Street, turn south onto 14th Avenue NW until road ends at public boat ramp. Turn right onto Shilshole Avenue NW and proceed about 300 feet to SMA parking lot and campus entrance (on left).
Best locations for photography/filming: From SMA dock where vessel will be moored
From the Ballard Bridge (bridge will open for The Bartlett to pass through) – bridge is within walking distance of the parking lot.
Who
Edmonds resident Lloyd Cannon donated the vessel. He is considered one of the pioneers of the king crab fishing industry and is a principal with All Alaskan Seafoods, a major Alaskan fishing and processing operation with two crabbers in Alaska and a boatyard in Seattle.
Contact
Judy Kitzman, (206) 934-5487
Background
Seattle Central Community College’s Seattle Maritime Academy (SMA) offers one of the nation’s most highly regarded and innovative technical training and professional certification programs for commercial fishing, Merchant Marine and workboat industry. The new vessel will allow the Academy to provide mandated “underway training”, or at-sea time for its students on a new, modern vessel. Other uses for the vessel include:
- Improved engineering education — The horse power of the Bartlett will allow SMA to award a higher level Coast Guard horse power license to students enrolled in the engineering program.
- Galley and Conference/Instruction Center – The galley and adjoining dining area will house SMA’s new Deckhand Cook program and create opportunities to host community events, meetings, and lectures.
Over the next four years, SMA will undergo $19 million in renovations to its facility. This will enable the Academy to enhance current training with new, state-of-the-art simulation and expanded radar and engineering labs.