Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy

Captains,

I visited the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy in Virginia Beach Friday. One of America's fastest growing maritime training institutions, Mid-Atlantic acquired the former Tidewater School of Navigation in 2007. Over sixty Coast Guard Approved Courses, Transas TGS4100 GMDSS simulation, and ARPA / Radar and ECDIS class room simulators were among the assets Mid-Atlantic Maritime acquired. Led by businessman Arthur Goldman, Mid-Atlantic added a full-scale Transas ship-handling simulator and a full engine room simulator capable of being integrated with the bridge simulator for full ship-handling training.

You can't help feeling the excitement for the maritime profession when you talk to Chief Instructor John Sitka and Licensing Consultant Judy Swanson. Thanks for the visit, John and Judy!

RDML W

John Sitka, III, Vice President of Academics and Chief Instructor

With over 30 years of sea service experience, Mr. John Sitka is highly skilled in the aspects of the professional mariner. He has continued to hold a strong vision for the development of Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy. As Vice President of Academics he is responsible for the development of new courses and their regulatory conformation to United States Coast Guard standards.

Judy Swanson, Licensing Consultant

Ms. Judy Swanson is our credential and training advisor for mariners. Judy is retired from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Her active duty service included enlisted quartermaster coxswain and commissioned Officer of the Deck of aids to navigation vessels, marine casualties’ investigator, search and rescue coordinator, EMT, and navigation instructor. She has continued service in the maritime industry as a licensed Master, instructor at maritime schools, ferry operations, marine safety equipment and liferaft technician, mariner license consultant and Asst. Chief of a USCG Regional Exam Center. Judy is a friendly advocate for new, transitioning, and experienced mariners seeking guidance to achieve and expand their U.S. Coast Guard merchant mariner credential and training.