In partnership with the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy (NOMMA), this year Crescent Towing participated in an internship program designed to give interested students first-hand experience in the maritime industry. The NOMMA high school student intern assigned to Crescent Towing was Cayne Wattingney, a young man with his sights set on joining the United States Coast Guard.
Crescent Towing first caught Cayne’s attention at a Who Works the Rivers field trip to the facility, during which students observed and learned the ins and outs of the Mississippi River tugboat industry. Beginning his internship in January, Cayne started by working after school for three hours a day. Once the Covid-19 pandemic struck and schools were closed, he opted to expand his schedule to a full 40-hour work week.
“Before I started I didn’t expect a lot from the internship,” Cayne mused. “But within the first week of working here I had already made friends and connections.”
Working as a member of the shore gang, Cayne assists with the essential duty of stocking and organizing food and supplies for the tugboats. Reflecting on his time with the company, Cayne enthused, “I’ve never experienced any place like this. Everything from the daily duties to the people, I love being part of it. Crescent Towing feels like a family.”
Cayne recently graduated from NOMMA with a 3.2 GPA and multiple maritime certifications he earned online from Delgado Community College. Enlisted with the U.S. Coast Guard, Cayne is scheduled to ship out for basic training on July 21.
“My goal is to become a boatswain’s mate and then try to get back on the river,” he shared. “I’ve loved my time here and wouldn’t mind joining the team one day.”
