The Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) is a recognized Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Sponsor with an Able Seaman (Water Transportation) program. VIPCA provides compliance guidance, training and assist with developing industry standards for marine businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands. VIPCA established a 501(c)(3) charity arm called the Marine Rebuild Fund (MRF) with the aim of boosting VI employment opportunities in the marine industry by creating marine education training/development programs. MRF offers an annual five-week intensive “Marine Apprenticeship” which provides training in the marine industry to young adults from St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix in partnership with Cruz Bay Water Sports. Individuals who complete the five-week intensive “Marine Apprenticeship” have the opportunity transition into the Able-seaman registered apprenticeship 12-month program.

The VIPCA “Able Seaman” apprenticeship program provides apprentices training in the operation and maintenance of charter vessels, boating safety, marina and dock management, customer service, Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping and opportunity to obtain a charter boat captain’s license.