Mariners Learning System Partners with NWSA to Award Captain’s License Scholarships

Mariners Learning System (MLS) is proud to announce its partnership with the National Women’s Sailing Association (NWSA) to support women advancing toward their first U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.

Through this new scholarship initiative, NWSA selected eight recipients from a pool of 24 applicants to receive a complete United States Coast Guard-approved Mariners Learning System online program. Upon successfully passing our final proctored exam online, our Course Completion Certificate satisfies the Coast Guard's written requirement for the captain's license. These courses provide flexible, online training that students can complete at their own pace over the course of one year.

Building Opportunities for Women in Maritime

This scholarship program came to life through the leadership of Sami Inman, Vice President of Operations at Mariners Learning System, who collaborated closely with NWSA to design the scholarship framework, oversee the application and selection process, and guide the launch of the inaugural group of recipients. Inman will also support the scholarship winners as they begin their coursework and, when applicable, their Auxiliary Sailing Endorsement training.

NWSA President Debby Grimm shared:

“This generous partnership with Mariners Learning System is unprecedented and will make a lasting difference in each student’s career. Each course offers a significant boost to women pursuing credentials that allow them to teach, lead, and work professionally in a wide range of maritime roles.”

Sami Inman added:

“We’re honored to partner with NWSA to help more women turn their maritime experience into a professional opportunity. This program reflects our shared belief that when education is accessible, confidence and leadership naturally follow.”

Scholarship Recipients

MLS and NWSA congratulate the following women on receiving the 2025 Captain’s License Scholarships:

• Deia D. - Santa Monica, CA

• Amanda E. - Beverly Hills, FL

• Elizabeth G. - Seattle, WA

• Sarah H. - Dallas, TX

• Anica M. - Mount Desert, ME

• Donna S. - Big Pine Key, FL

• Mary S. - Bellingham, WA

• Corah W. - Shaver Lake, CA

We look forward to following their progress as they complete their training and put their new credentials to work in the maritime industry.

Learn More

Whether your goal is earning a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license or improving your recreational boating skills, Mariners Learning System has the right course for you. Check out some resources below: 

• Captain’s License Courses: Coast Guard–approved training for OUPV/Six-Pack, Master, and more.

• Recreational Boating Courses: Learn boating safety, navigation, and seamanship at your own pace.

• Not Sure What's Right for You? Take our quiz! 

For more about the National Women’s Sailing Association and their efforts to enhance the lives of women through the sport of sailing, visit womensailing.org.

About Mariners Learning System (MLS): Founded in 2002 by Captain Robert Figular, Mariners Learning System began by offering in-person captain’s license classes that challenged the traditional “sandwich style” of training. In 2005, MLS pioneered a new model and became the first program in the country approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to offer captain’s license courses online - and later, the first to provide approved online testing. Today, MLS delivers flexible, self-paced Coast Guard–approved licensing programs, along with recreational boating courses that enhance safety, navigation, and seamanship. Our mission remains the same: to make high-quality maritime education accessible, affordable, and effective for every mariner. Learn more about our story at https://marinerslearningsystem.com/pages/about-us, and follow MLS on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About National Women’s Sailing Association: Founded in 1990 by National Sailing Hall of Fame sailor Doris Colgate, the National Women’s Sailing Association is a program of the Women’s Sailing Foundation, Inc. a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the U.S. It maintains the mission of providing education, programming and support for women sailors of all ages and backgrounds. The organization seeks to help women find community and mentorship among their peers, as well as create leadership and education opportunities. Through membership, donations, and sponsorship, they continue to maintain AdventureSail®, a program designed for girls who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to discover the joys of sailing, the Learn to Sail Youth Sailing Scholarship, the Sue Corl Sailing Scholarship, Gail Hine NWSA Conference Scholarship, and the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women’s Sailing Award. For more information, visit https://www.womensailing.org. Follow on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.