Investing in Trades. Building Careers. – SBI Awarded MARAD Grant
BREMERTON, Wash. — [SEPTEMBER 29, 2026] — SAFE Boats International is pleased to share that the company has been awarded $321,000 through the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program to establish a new in-house Aluminum Welding & Fabrication Training Program at our Bremerton facility.
For many years, SAFE Boats has partnered with local high schools, trade schools, and CTE programs, hosted facility tours and hands-on welding workshops, introducing students and our communities to career opportunities in the Marine Trades. Launching an in-house training school is the next step in that commitment and investment to train and develop future marine craftspeople.
As a 100% employee-owned company, SAFE Boats believes in creating opportunities for people to learn a trade, build a career, and take pride in the work they do. From welding and electrical to mechanical and marine systems, skilled trades are at the heart of how we build boats—and how we build our workforce for the future.
“The Team at SAFE Boats has been passionate and very active in promoting careers in the Marine trades since we started building boats 30 years ago. This in-house training program will help us provide new Team Members with the opportunity to learn in a real-world environment, working with and around the best aluminum welders in the industry- allowing us to develop the next generation of skilled boat builders and create pathways to long-term careers as Employee Owners at SAFE Boats.”
— Cindy McFarland, Chief People Officer, SAFE Boats International
The new onsite welding school is coming in 2027.
About SAFE Boats International
SAFE Boats International is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance aluminum boats for military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and other first-responder and commercial applications. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Bremerton, Washington, SAFE Boats proudly builds all vessels in the USA using American craftsmanship, materials, and innovation. The company is 100% employee-owned—meaning every boat is backed by a team personally invested in its quality, performance, and reliability. Trusted by professional mariners around the world, SAFE Boats’ vessels are known for their durability, speed, and reliability in the most demanding conditions. With nearly 3,000 boats in service globally, SAFE Boats continues to set the standard for mission-ready platforms that help protect life, ensure security, and safeguard freedom on the water. For more information, visit www.safeboats.com.
For More Information:
Kelsey Nemeth
Marketing & Brand Manager
knemeth@safeboats.com
+1 360.721.0422
