The US Brig Niagara is offering a two to four-week apprentice program this summer for qualified applicants who want to learn how to work and sail the square rigged historic ship that was instrumental in the Americans winning the "Battle of Lake Erie" on September 10, 1813.
   Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and operated by the Erie Maritime Museum, Niagara is a US Coast Guard certified training vessel. Apprentices live and work aboard the ship.
   From mid-May through mid-September, adults and teens (16 and up) from around the world sail aboard the brig learning the history of Niagara and traditional square-rig seamanship skills. 
  While the ship was recently built and has modern navigation and safety equipment, the design of her rig, the skills needed to sail her and the living conditions onboard the Niagara are authentic. 
  This training program gives trainees the opportunity to live the sailor's life, have an adventurous experience under sail and learn the ropes from professionals who possess knowledge that has been passed down and preserved by square-rig seafarers for centuries.
   Trainees in the Square-Rig Seamanship Training program must be willing to devote themselves to the service of the ship. Onboard a Sailing School Vessel like Niagara, trainees are a vital part of the ships manpower and must be relied upon to perform tasks and duties as assigned by the professional crew.  For starting dates of three week classes refer to schedule.
   To become a trainee onboard, you must pass a physical examination, complete the Trainee Application and submit the forms to the Erie Maritime Museum office at least two months prior to your desired joining date. Trainees receive introductory materials before their arrival. Arrival and departure dates are scheduled well in advance.
  For more information and instructions on becoming a trainee, you may download the "Square-Rig Seamanship Training Course, Application Packet" by clicking here: Click For Trainee Application & Waiver.
  Cost of the course is $1,350 per person. Space is limited for the course which is given several times over the summer. Applicants must be in good phyiscal health and ambulatory. Each trainee must be accepted by the captain for the course. Read more about the 2010 Square-Rig Seamanship Training Program at the Brig Niagara website.
  Contact the Erie Martime Museum directly for information and enrollement in the course. Please tell them you read about the sailing course on Put-in-Bay's Chamber & Visitor Bureau website.
  Contact Julie Wagner at 814-452-2744 or jwagner@brigniagara.org for more information.
    
    Apprentice Seaman Program (6-8 Weeks) - US Brig Niagara may carry up to four Apprentice Seaman. There is a $350 initiation fee into the Apprentice Seaman Program. Apprentice Seaman are Sailing School students who typically have more sailing experience than three week trainees. Apprentices must have either completed the three week training program, or have other experience in traditional sailing. Apprentices are usually selected from past trainees but applications for apprenticeship will be considered based on experience and availability.

   Want an idea of what a typical day aboard Niagara is like? Experience a day of instruction working and sailing aboard Niagara. You have eight opportunities this summer over three weekends at Put-in-Bay to experience a Day Sail Training Program.
    If you are unable to make it to Put-in-Bay, contact the Square-Rig Seamanship Training Program directly at the US Brig Niagara website, or by calling 814-452-2744.