Maritime credential scholarships

You may qualify for a scholarship if you are part of the following groups:

• Previously in foster care
• Formerly incarcerated or a youth involved in the justice system
• Housing insecure
• Women
• Minority groups
• Tribal members
• Veterans
• People from rural communities

Each application is reviewed individually, and individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and several scholarships will be awarded. It is to your advantage to apply as soon as possible.

Applications are being accepted through May 16, 2025, or until funding is exhausted.

What scholarship funds can pay for 

Costs for a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC):

• Cost of gathering and obtaining the documents required to apply for a TWIC
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) fee

Costs for a Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC):

• Physical exam
• Drug screening
• United States Coast Guard credentialing fee

Scholarships can also be used for other costs that might come up, like licensing fees and obtaining a birth certificate. You’ll work with your selected organization to determine their administrative process and availability for these tasks.

How to apply 

1. Select an organization from the participating organizations list you’d like to work with by contacting them directly. Let them know you’ll apply for the scholarship through WSDOT and ensure they can work with you. Gather an estimated cost total for the services you’ll need.
2. Complete the Maritime Credential Scholarship Application
3. Email the completed application to maritimetradeprep@wsdot.wa.gov
4. Watch your email for a response approving or denying your application. We do our best to respond within 10 business days. We will notify you and your selected organization.

If awarded a scholarship

You’ll work directly with your selected organization. These organizations are prepared to assist you in obtaining the approved certifications. They will pay for the credentials upfront and then invoice WSDOT for the total cost.

Once the organization provides WSDOT with an invoice, the funds will be dispersed directly to the entity on your behalf.

WSDOT must receive invoices within 60 days of the scholarship award, no later than June 20, 2025.

Once you’ve obtained these credentials, you can apply for an entry-level deck position with Washington State Ferries. Learn about job postings and what it's like to work for WSF.

Participating organizations 

Maritime Institute

Maritime Institute website 

Email contact: credentialing@maritimeinstitute.com

Phone number: (866) 300-5984

Youth Marine Foundation

Youth Marine Foundation website 

Email contact: info@tacomaymf.org or kimm@tacomaymf.org

Phone number: (253) 572-2666

MM-Seas

MM-Seas website 

Email contact: tradesscholarship@mmseas.com

Seattle Skills Center

Seattle Skills Center website

Email contact:  skillscenterinfo@seattleschools.org

Crawford Nautical

Crawford Nautical website

Email contact:  info@crawfordnautical.org

Phone number: (206) 783-2922

If you’d like to work with an organization that is not listed, contact maritimetradeprep@wsdot.wa.gov. You may be authorized to use any legitimate third-party organization providing these services in Washington State.

Background on Maritime Credential Scholarship program 

WSDOT Maritime Credential Scholarships are funded by the Washington state legislature and managed through the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, working closely with Washington State Ferries (WSF). This funding supports efforts to diversify the workforce by covering the costs of required credentials for entry-level positions on WSF vessels.