PROGRAMS AT OHPRI
As Rhode Island's flagship and tall ship ambassador, SSV Oliver Hazard Perry offers a variety of programming to serve all citizens of the Ocean State. Select a program below to learn more and see where we'll be going for our 2023 season! To enroll, or for more info, contact Educational Programs Manager, Holly Buresh for more details and to register: info@ohpri.org
Maritime Careers Training Program
Receive free STCW Basic Training as part of this 20-day program!

Previous program participants going through their aloft safety training.
Oliver Hazard Perry Rhode Island, in partnership with CCRI, will be offering a 20-day training program that looks to increase ocean literacy, provide basic marine manufacturing experience, and help students find career opportunities in both afloat and ashore career tracks. Hands-on training will include marine systems, basic maritime electrical, diesel/gasoline engines, plumbing, hydraulics, carpentry, OSHA maritime, and rigging. Participants will also receive STCW Basic Training. Graduates that complete this program can expect to begin careers as Merchant Mariners, Boat Builders, Production Workers, Industrial Painters, Marine Techs, Marine Electronics Installers, Shrink Wrappers, Wind Maintenance Techs and more. Professional development and employer career fair will help ensure graduates success in this career focused training program.
Details:
- Time Commitment: Full-time for 4 weeks, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. for a total of 20 days.
- Program Price: Free
- Value of Training: ~$7,000
- Program Start Date: September 18, 2023
- Program Location: Newport, RI
Perry Corps - School Year 2023-2024
High School Students in 2023-2024 School Year!

Previous high school student working from a bosun’s chair.
The Perry Corps Program takes High School students and prepares them to be members of the 21st century workforce. Participants experience after school, single day, and overnight programming on Rhode Island’s Flagship, the Sailing School Vessel (SSV) OLIVER HAZARD PERRY. The program takes place while dockside, underway, and at satellite sites including the United States Maritime Resource Center’s (USMRC) facilities in Middletown, RI. Perry Corps training consists of a mix of standards-based, industry curriculum, industry exposure, and hands on skills application. These US Coast Guard approved courses include Basic Training, Fast Rescue Boat Training, Leadership and Teamwork Skills, Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, and Rating Forming Part of an Engineering Watch while completing several Standards of Training Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) competencies. Throughout their time aboard, participants learn the operations of the SSV OLIVER HAZARD PERRY and utilize their new skills and knowledge to complete work onboard. Incorporated into their experience, trainees serve as stewards for OHPRI’s broad community by sharing their experience and knowledge about the ship and the organization. For more information, please contact Holly Buresh, Educational Programs Manager, at hollyb@ohpri.org.
PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
BIPOC Maritime History
Questions? Contact info@ohpri.org |

Year round programs targeting high school students, underemployed adults, and veterans, culminating with an intensive month long experience aboard Oliver Hazard Perry.

Named in honor of the United States Navy’s first female Program Manager of Ships, OHPRI’s Raye Montague STEAM Initiative provides hands-on experiences for K-12 and university-level students.