Second Assistant Engineer Marijan Strk and Russell Pilchard IV on the Torm Thor, here in February. Both were members of the 2015 TECH Program class 103.
When American Maritime Officers Plans trustees approved the development of The Engineering Candidate Hawsepipe (TECH) apprentice program at STAR Center in 2013, producing a merchant mariner such as Russell Pilchard IV was exactly what they had in mind.
Pilchard, a graduate of the third TECH class in 2017, recently became the first alumnus of the apprentice program to reach the rank of chief engineer – proving the first of its kind initiative has been a success. The TECH Program is now in its tenth year having paused briefly due to the pandemic. There are currently 20 apprentice engineers in the program which so far has produced 50 U.S. Coast Guard Third Assistant Engineer unlimited/OICEW engineers – all of which sail with AMO. The 30-month program has established itself in meeting its goal of helping offset ongoing manpower issues particularly for senior engineering officers.
Recently, Pilchard was interviewed while serving as chief engineer on the tanker Torm Thor in February and asked to share his thoughts and experiences in the TECH Program.
How would you describe your education, training and experience while in the program?
Pilchard: The education and training at STAR Center was comprehensive and covered the essential information needed to progress in the field. The ability to learn new material then immediately sail and be able to apply what I had learned in the program in real life situations was a great benefit.
What were some of the challenges the TECH program presented and how did you overcome them?
Pilchard: Overall, I enjoyed the program and had no real issues. However, I can see how the nonstop pace could affect individuals. Having an end goal in mind and knowing what holds for you at the end of the program is motivation enough to keep going. I would say proper planning and ensuring some time for yourself and what you enjoy helps with this. Onboard, I always blocked out times for my sea projects and allowed time for me to go to the gym. While in class, I would find time in my off hours to fish, surf, and do other things I enjoyed. Having a good bond with your classmates is crucial as well. We were a very tight class and when someone was having issues, multiple people were there to pick them up and keep them going or help them study.
How well did the program prepare you for your progression to Chief Engineer?
Pilchard: I believe the program prepared me well enough that I came out with a strong foundation and was able to use what I had learned to learn more as I progressed and apply it in real life working situations. As I progressed, I just made efforts to learn new equipment and new procedures, but the foundation was there because of the TECH Program.
Coming out of the program honestly, I would say I was over-prepared to be a Third Assistant Engineer and excelled quickly to Second and then First A.E. The TECH Program is what you make it. It offers you the foundation you need to excel but It’s up to the individual to apply that and continue wanting to learn more and do what they need to further their career.
What were some of the benefits of this type of program?
Pilchard: I would say one of the biggest benefits was the intimate class size. The instructors were exceptional. I would especially like to thank instructors Sean Cannon and Jay Henderson. The other big benefit is being able to immediately apply what you have learned during the various stages of sea time.
Describe your career path to Chief Engineer and how the TECH program prepared you for that path with AMO?
Pilchard: I spent most of my career on the M/V American Liberty, a coast wise Jones Act tanker, where I progressed to each rank. I had an exceptional Engine department, with AMO senior engine officers who were willing to take the time out to teach me. I built a strong rapport with my department and shipmates and learned the vessel like the back of my hand. The TECH Program helps you a lot in the sense that you have the knowledge and a good amount of sea experience by the time you graduate. You should already know what your job is and what you are going to be doing and you have learned how to adapt to a shipboard living environment. If you apply all that you can gain from the program, with initiative you can thrive.
Do you have any advice for those who are in the TECH program or thinking about applying to the program?
I would say if you know you want a long sailing career and enjoy hands-on, “real life” situational learning with a great group of instructors and a small class size, there’s no down side to the TECH Program. Just be prepared to sacrifice initially, but it’s well worth it in the end. I have found my career very rewarding and have been fortunate to excel in maritime because of the TECH Program.
Marijan Strk and Russell Pilchard IV in 2015 as TECH Program apprentices.