Cenac barge now a key curriculum component

A fully refurbished barge donated by Benny Cenac and his firm, Cenac Marine Services, has gone to the head of the class at a major maritime program.

South Louisiana Community College’s maritime training program is making extensive use of the barge, donated in November. That was after Cenac and his staff met with SLCC’s Capt. Carl Moore. The meeting gave a clear indication to the group that the school was badly in need of upgraded training tools.

The first class to utilize the barge began Aug. 12.

Depending on the size of the class, hands-on barge training can last approximately 8 hours long, according to a statement issued by Cenac. For now the goal is a new class every two weeks. Certified Cenac captains are serving as instructors, on their off time.

They are certified by the state of Louisiana to teach the course, which takes a total of 32 hours to complete.

After tht course completion candidate must complete basic firefighter training. Once that is done, the Cenac statement says, the candidates are certified as oil tankermen.

“From the very start of this project I have been excited about what we can offer to the community and to those interested in becoming tankermen,” Cenac said. “My company and I are fortunate to have the opportunity to provide a hands-on learning experience to many people for years to come.”

People interested in taking the class can register on site at 331 Dickson Road in Houma. The barge is also housed at this location.

Captain Carl Moore, Assistant Dean of Marine Operations said, “The barge donated by Mr. Cenac and Cenac Marine services has been a game changer. We’re excited to be able to offer hands on, real life experience while under the supervision of an instructor. This will help everyone in a way we just haven’t been able to in the past.”

To learn more about South Louisiana Community College and its Maritime training offerings, please visit, https://www.solacc.edu.

Cenac