NMC-CTI and 500 Sails Launch Fifth Cohort of Traditional Navigation Program

Northern Marianas College – Center for Training and Innovation (CTI), in partnership with 500 Sails, will offer the fifth cohort of its Cultural Maritime Training Center: Traditional Navigation – Module I program. This 8-week immersive course invites participants to discover the ancient art of traditional navigation and the cultural knowledge that has guided seafarers across the Pacific for generations.

Running from January 27 to February 24, 2026, sessions will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the 500 Sails Boatyard in Lower Base, Saipan. Module I provides participants with foundational skills in navigation by the stars, ocean currents, and environmental cues—integrating historical understanding with practical hands-on training.

Open to the public, the program welcomes participants ages 14 and older (with parent or guardian consent required for those under 18). Through this course, participants will develop spatial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability—skills that extend beyond navigation and into everyday life.

The registration deadline is Friday, January 23, 2026, and space is limited. Interested participants can register online at http://bit.ly/4subJs2.

For additional information, contact the Northern Marianas College – Center for Training and Innovation (CTI) at cdi@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-9203.