Crowley is helping University of North Florida (UNF) transportation and logistics students gain a better understanding of the maritime industry by participating annually in the school’s “Big Sea Day” event. Activities are designed to give these future industry leaders a firsthand look at the maritime industry through tours and inside views of port and terminal operations, as well as the work that takes place aboard ships and tugboats.

To further enhance the students’ experiences, Crowley began an annual tradition in 2007 of taking students aboard a company tugboat – an added perk to the port terminal and warehouse tours they were given previously. The two-hour tour spans the St. Johns River from Crowley’s Talleyrand terminal to Dames Point Marine Terminal to Blount Island Marine Terminal in northeast Jacksonville. While the students on board enjoy seeing the industry from a new perspective, they also have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss industry topics with Crowley professionals.

“For the students, Big Sea Day is a unique and unforgettable learning experience,” said Lynn Brown, associate director, UNF transportation and logistics program. “The students take away a whole new appreciation for the diversity and complexity of port operations, career opportunities in the industry, the economic impact for the region, and most importantly, the enthusiasm and dedication of the people in the business.”

Big Sea Day also usually includes tours of JAXPORT that are sponsored by the United States Propeller Club Port of Jacksonville, and other port entities.

“Big Sea Day is one more way that the company can give back to the community in a meaningful way,” said Crowley’s Jim Gillen, vice president, engineering. “For the students, the experience is tremendous as they are able to see in practice what they have studied in theory. We’re pleased to be a part of that and to help these future leaders continue learning the business.”

To learn more about how Crowley invests in education, click here.