Mālama Waʻa Training Program – Oʻahu

Take advantage of introductory prices and learn how to care for voyaging canoes and small vessels of all types

Several times a year, our voyaging community comes together to mālama our voyaging canoes so that they can continue to look good and sail safely. If you’ve ever been interested in joining in, but want to improve on your vessel upkeep and repair skills, our partners at Honolulu Community College have the perfect opportunity for you. Beginning in August and continuing through the winter, the Mālama Waʻa Training Program will offer several courses available to the public at discounted prices at the Marine and Education Training Center on Sand Island on Oʻahu.

Here’s more from Honolulu Community College:

Program Mission: The mission of this program is to serve the community as a learning-centered, open door program providing technical training to meet the needs of those wanting to gain knowledge, skills, and the hands-on opportunities working with small vessel fabrication and repair.

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Malama Wa’a training program, students will be able to:

  • Perform tasks and best practices in accordance with the small vessel fabrication maintenance and repair industry.
  • Secure vessels, safely operate machinery and perform operations associated with dry-docking operations.
  • Operate and maintain standard woodshop stationary and portable tools; sharpen, tune, and use standard woodworking hand tools; true wood stock accurately, safely, and efficiently; construct shop fixtures and jigs; and, read, interpret and create blueprints.
  • Identify a variety of composite materials, formulate laminate schedules and demonstrate proficiency in laminating techniques, perform standard composite quality control tests, practice quality assurance and safety, and utilize the practical principles of composite-resin chemistry.
  • Perform pre-paint preparation and procedures, understand air compressor requirements, utilize common coating application systems, techniques and equipment, and understand and employ multi-component paint systems.
  • Present a systematic approach to surveying damaged vessels and be able to execute repairs.

Available Courses

Course Description: This course provides an introduction to hand tools and machinery used in the marine industry. The proper use of machinery such as a hydraulic prop and bearing remover, bead blaster and sandblaster will be demonstrated and practiced. The following woodworking tools will be introduced and utilized in class: table saw, band saw, power hand planer, and drill press. Hands-on training is emphasized. The proper utilization, safety procedures, and care of tools will be stressed. Classroom instruction and tasks performed will be in accordance with standard industry best practices. This course includes forklift training and certification, as well as utilizing related heavy equipment tailored for the maritime industry.

Course Hours: 60 Number of Meetings: 20
Course Days and Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays; August 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, September 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, October 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 2019
Course Times: Wednesdays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Course Cost: Introductory Price: $185/person Regular Price: $895/person

Course Description: This course covers the safe and proper use of power and hand woodworking tools. Procedures for sharpening, maintenance, and adjustment of tools are stressed. Rough wood stock is milled and the fabrication of proper wood joints is stressed. Instruction is also provided in the survey and repair of the wooden components of a vessel. Classroom instruction and tasks performed will be in accordance with standard
industry best practices.

Course Hours: 90 Number of Meetings: 30
Course Days and Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays; October 23, 26, 30, November 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, December 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 2019, January 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, February 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 2020
No class meetings on November 27, 30, December 25, 28, 2019, January 1, 4, 2020
Course Cost: Introductory Price: $195/person Regular Price: $1395/person

Course Description: This course covers the procedures employed in planning and executing repairs to composite vessels. Various common procedures used in the industry for composite repairs are covered in lecture, and projects dealing with these procedures are provided in the lab component of training. Classroom instruction and tasks performed will be in accordance with standard industry best practices.

Course Hours: 90 Number of Meetings: 30
Course Days and Dates: Wednesdays and Saturdays; February 26, 29, March 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, April
1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, May 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30, June 3, 6, 2020
Course Cost: Introductory Price: $195/person Regular Price: $1395/person

To register – contact 808-845-9296