Delgado Community College’s Maritime and Industrial Training Center in New Orleans is raising the bar for deckhand training, and it’s not just about polishing the facility—it’s about redefining what it means to prepare mariners for the future. The newly renovated Deckhand Training Center isn’t just a facelift; it’s a strategic overhaul designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world operations.
The centerpiece of the renovation is the new training pad, a lifelike simulation of towboat and barge operations. This isn’t your average training ground. It’s a controlled environment where students can practice line handling and tow work under conditions that mirror the challenges they’ll face on the water. The addition of a teaching kitchen and galley-style dining area might seem like a small detail, but it’s part of Delgado’s broader vision: training isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about preparing mariners for the realities of life at sea.
“This is about realism and effectiveness in training,” said Rick Schwab, senior director of Delgado’s Maritime and Industrial Training Center. “We believe in earn as you learn. We are not training deckhands, we are training the future captains, tankermen, and engineers. That is the future of our industry.”
This isn’t just talk. Delgado is backing it up with investments in cutting-edge technology. The expansion of towboat simulators in 2025 will introduce Wärtsilä software and new river routes, including the Sabine Pass, the Ohio River, the Atchafalaya River, and enhanced details for the Mississippi River. These aren’t just upgrades—they’re a direct response to industry demand for more specialized, location-specific training.
But perhaps the most significant development is Delgado’s continued leadership in advanced firefighting training. As the only U.S. center offering Coast Guard–approved Advanced Firefighting with XVR simulation, Delgado is replacing live-fire exercises with immersive, command-and-control scenarios. This isn’t just about teaching firefighting techniques—it’s about cultivating leadership in emergency response. In an industry where seconds count, this kind of training could be a game-changer.
The renovations and expansions are part of a broader vision for Delgado’s Maritime and Industrial Training Center. The Aquatic Center is on track to open by the end of 2025, with additional projects slated for 2026. Louisiana state grants will support mariners pursuing career paths from deckhand to apprentice mate, with tuition assistance offered to residents employed by local companies.
This isn’t just about preparing mariners for today’s challenges—it’s about equipping them to lead the industry into the future. And that’s a mission worth watching.