Maritime &

Port Operations

Discover the world of Maritime and Port Operations, where ships, ports, and transportation connect people and products across the globe. Every day, millions of people work in the maritime industry, helping move everything from food and clothes to cars and technology. If you've ever wondered how products get from one side of the world to the other, this program will show you how it happens while introducing you to exciting careers that keep the world moving.

What is the Maritime & Port Operations pathway?

Our program introduces students to the exciting world of ships, ports, logistics, and transportation. Through industry partnerships, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences, students develop the skills needed for successful careers in the maritime industry.

For more than 14 years, the Pasadena ISD Maritime Program has been preparing students for exciting careers in the maritime, transportation, logistics, and port industries. Located at Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical High School, our program was developed in partnership with Port Houston and industry leaders along the Houston Ship Channel.

Our curriculum introduces students to the many career paths available in the maritime industry, both on the water and on shore. Whether a student is interested in working aboard a vessel, managing cargo operations, maintaining ship systems, or coordinating the movement of goods around the world, there is a pathway for them.

Marine Transportation
Students learn about careers on the deck side of a vessel, including Deckhands, Able Seamen, Mates, and Captains. These professionals are responsible for vessel operations, navigation, cargo handling, and the safe movement of ships. Students can begin their careers as entry-level deckhands or pursue a maritime academy education to become licensed officers.
Marine Engineering
Students explore careers that keep vessels operating safely and efficiently. From entry-level positions such as Wipers and Oilers to licensed Engineering Officers and Chief Engineers, these professionals maintain propulsion systems, electrical equipment, and mechanical systems aboard vessels.
Maritime Administration, Logistics, and Port Operations
Not every maritime career is at sea! This pathway discusses shoreside opportunities such as logistics coordinators, vessel and port agents, terminal operators, supply chain specialists, and transportation managers. These professionals work behind the scenes to ensure cargo and passengers move efficiently through ports and around the world.

No matter which pathway students choose, they will discover an industry that supports global trade, offers millions of jobs worldwide, and provides opportunities for advancement, travel, and lifelong careers.

Maritime In-Class Hands on Activities

Design a Package Lab

Freshmen students learn the principles of cargo packaging and securement by designing solutions that protect products during transportation by ship, truck, rail, and barge. Through hands-on projects, students explore how proper packaging reduces damage, improves safety, and ensures cargo arrives at its destination in good condition

Build a Boat Lab

Sophomore students apply the principles of ship design and buoyancy by building and testing boats made from everyday materials. Through this hands-on challenge, students learn how engineers balance weight, stability, and flotation while competing to create a vessel that can hold the greatest number of marbles without sinking.

Simulator Labs

Junior students gain hands-on experience using professional maritime simulators to navigate vessels through busy waterways such as the Houston Ship Channel. Students also practice proper marine radio communication procedures, learning how captains and pilots coordinate passing arrangements, improve safety, and safely maneuver vessels in real-world traffic situations.

Mock Interviews

Before entering the workforce, students have the opportunity to develop the professional skills that employers value most. Through mock interviews with maritime industry professionals, students practice communication, professionalism, and interview techniques while receiving real-world feedback that helps prepare them for internships, scholarships, and future careers.

Certifications

CLA (Certified Logistics Associate)

As juniors, students have the opportunity to earn the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) credential, an industry-recognized certification that introduces the fundamentals of the global supply chain. Through this certification, students learn how products move from manufacturers to consumers while developing knowledge in areas such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, safety, and logistics operations, helping prepare them for both college and career opportunities in the logistics industry.

CLT (Certified Logistics Technician)

As seniors, students have the opportunity to earn the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) credential, an advanced industry-recognized certification that builds upon the knowledge gained through the CLA certification. Students develop a deeper understanding of warehouse operations, transportation systems, quality control, inventory management, and workplace safety while demonstrating the skills employers seek in today's supply chain and logistics workforce. Earning the CLT helps prepare students for immediate employment opportunities and continued education in transportation, logistics, and port operations careers.

Skills USA Competition

Maritime & Port Operations at Skills USA

Maritime students participating in Skills USA Competitions learn the importance of leadership skills and gain valuable experience in hands on activities related to Maritime and Port operations career pathway.

Senior Trip - Underway Learning Experince

As seniors, students have the unique opportunity to step aboard a working cruise ship and experience the maritime industry firsthand. During this immersive field experience, students could meet the deck officers, engineers, hospitality staff, or other professionals who work together to safely operate one of the world's most complex vessels, gaining valuable insight into the wide range of careers available in the maritime industry.

CTHS Maritime Business Partners

Building the Next Generation

of Maritime Professionals

We are proud to partner with maritime industry leaders who are passionate about developing the next generation of professionals. Their support provides students with unique opportunities to explore careers, build connections, and gain firsthand insight into the maritime industry.

Through facility tours, vessel visits, industry conferences, and other field-based learning opportunities, students are able to see the industry in action and better understand the wide variety of careers available to them. These real-world experiences help bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, preparing students for future success in the maritime workforce.

Contact Information

Lydia Bensabat

A product of this program herself, she has spent over 8 years working in the maritime industry. She can’t wait to show students the many exciting paths this field has to offer and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Lydia Bensabat

PISD Maritime Instructor

Dr. Kirk Lewis Career and Technical HS

1348 Genoa Red Bluff

Houston, Texas 77034

713-740-5320 x 44156

LBensabat@pasadenaisd.org

Page updated

Report abuse