Issue Date: Issue #114, Jun/Jul 2008
Resolve Marine to open $3.2 million training center in Florida

Rich Miller

Resolve Pioneer is the first of five vessels Resolve Marine plans to place strategically around the United States to better respond to maritime incidents.

Responding to the increasing demand for qualified personnel across the industry, Resolve Marine Group will expand its maritime training division by christening a $3.2 million classroom facility in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

The Joshua James Response Center will be located in a 43,000-square-foot building that houses the company’s ship salvage and marine firefighting equipment. Named in honor of a renowned 19th-century maritime lifesaver, the facility has been completely renovated and will include the latest in university-style network technology.
“Joshua James is really an unspoken hero among mariners, and Resolve looks to follow his example with this new training center,” said Joseph Farrell, president and founder of the company. Resolve Marine specializes in marine salvage, wreck removal and fire and hazard response.
Courses will include “Train the Trainer” and “Fast Rescue Boat,” along with instruction in “Standards of Training Certification” and “Watchkeeping – Basic Safety Training.” Resolve will expand into another high-demand area of the industry by providing training for cruise-ship personnel.

Todd Butler, marketing coordinator for Resolve, said the company is planning to construct a 360-degree bridge simulator with an interface system that will incorporate multiple cruise-ship designs.
“We also have mock lifeboat and escape-chute training done in a simulated environment within the safety and control of our facility,” he said.
Courses will run from one day to slightly longer than one week, with up to 24 hours of hands-on field instruction depending on the course. Participants will receive certification or licensing upon the successful completion of their program of study, Butler said.
Joshua James, whose mother and sister died in the sinking of the schooner Hepzibah off the New England coast when he was a boy, is credited with helping to save more than 600 lives in the 60 years he patrolled the shores of Hull, Mass.

James participated in his first rescue at age 15 as a member of the Massachusetts Humane Society. He died in 1902 at age 75 while on duty with the U.S. Life-Saving Service. He received many medals of commendation, including the Congressional Gold Lifesaving Medal for his actions during the Great Storm of 1888.

“Out of respect for Capt. James and his legacy, we have gone to great lengths to ensure the authenticity of our dedications to him,” Farrell said. “Our signs above the building have been hand-carved using true Nantucket artisans, the colors of his medals have been matched and confirmed by local maritime historians, and all who train here will be taught the story of this facility’s namesake. This training center will truly be a model for future maritime safety facilities.”

A christening ceremony for the new center will be held in the fall. Officers from the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard are scheduled to be among those in attendance.