THE MARINE NAVIGATION AND TRAINING ASSOCIATION, INC.

"Building a Great Seagoing Tradition on the Great Lakes"

A Chicago based non-profit organization made up of volunteers from different backgrounds and various skills who share two common interests:

• PRIDE in America's Maritime Heritage
• The IMPORTANCE of teaching today's youth LEADERSHIP and TEAMWORK 

Each year, from April through October, young people from throughout the United States participate in this educational program.  Since 1946 over 10,000 young people have boarded the ships and learned seamanship and personal development skills.

This all volunteer organization is composed largely of retired Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Mariners and other volunteers.  These volunteers give approximately 4,000 – 5,000 hours each year to MANATRA.

If you have seagoing experience, or related shore based experience such as electrician, fireman, carpenter, engineer or just would like to learn and help out, find out how you can join our group.  Military experience is not required.

The association's flagship, T/V MANATRA, is a former Yard Patrol vessel, used by the U.S. Navy to train midshipman. Her primary function is the support of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

We operate in cooperation with the Navy League of the United States, a civilian patriotic organization in support of the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.

We also provide joint NSCC/United States Coast Guard training as well as an orientation to the United States Merchant Marine.