For Immediate Release:
December 17, 2005
Contact: Wesley Heerssen
Captain , US Brig NIAGARA
ERIE MARITIME MUSEUM
Telephone: (814) 452-2744, extension 218
Email: wheerssen@state.pa.us

The Flagship Niagara League and Erie Maritime Museum announce the start of a Seamanship Training Course, which will be offered on board the US Brig NIAGARA throughout the summer of 2006. The US Brig NIAGARA is a reconstruction of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victorious Flagship in the Battle of Lake Erie, which occurred Sept.10,1813, during the War of 1812. Trainees will live on board the ship for three weeks and learn the skills associated with sailing a historic square rigged sailing vessel. This course aims to teach trainees the basics of square rig seamanship in a historically authentic sailing environment with hard work, organized instruction, and commitment to serving the ship as major themes.

The US Brig NIAGARA is inspected by the United States Coast Guard as a Sailing School Vessel, and as such is prohibited from carrying passengers for hire. The US Federal Regulations for Sailing School Vessels are different than those for Passenger vessels. Sailing School Vessels adhere to different design, construction, and safety standards than do Passenger vessels. Sailing School Trainees learn a sailing related curriculum while on board, and are active participants in the working and sailing of the vessel.

The US Brig NIAGARA is 123 feet long (198’ sparred length), has overnight berthing for 16 professional crew, 4 apprentice seamen, and 16 trainees. The vessel is a project of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is operated with the assistance of the Flagship Niagara League, Inc., a private 501 c 3 non-profit company.

Seamanship Training courses are offered in three and sometimes four-week time blocks running concurrently throughout the summer of 2006. Niagara will operate out of Erie, PA May 15- July 9, 2006, then will cruise the Great Lakes with numerous port visits between Erie, PA and Chicago, IL. Tuition for a three-week course is $950- subject to change without notice. All meals are provided on board and included in the price of tuition. Student applicants must be at least 16 years of age, in good physical condition, and willing to help the ship fulfill her mission to preserve and interpret US maritime history. Students must also be willing to endure hammock berthing and close quarters, and to follow the instruction and direction of the professional crew.

For information about becoming a Trainee in the Seamanship Training Program, contact:

Seamanship Training Program
Erie Maritime Museum
150 East Front Street
Erie , PA 16507
(814) 452-2744, ext. 205
or Visit us on the Web at http://www.brigniagara.org