This comprehensive training program was developed by the Center for International Trade and Transportation at California State University, Long Beach in collaboration with Marine Terminal Operators (MTOs). The program covers all aspects of terminal operations and increases career opportunities for individuals who either seek entry or advancement into this dynamic industry. Students will gain the critical knowledge and skills required by marine terminal operators worldwide to thrive in this highly competitive environment.
The Marine Terminal Operations Professional (MTOP™) Professional Designation program is taught by industry experts and structured in a flexible format allowing participants to select training areas of interest or to complete all course to earn the Marine Terminal Operations Professional Designation. The designation documents the graduate’s proficiency for either entry level or existing positions in marine terminal operations. This core of knowledge and skills will minimize on the job training requirements and significantly enhances any existing in-house training programs at terminals
Whether you are looking to acquire a broad-based understanding of the complexities of global trade, learn about specific operational considerations, or demonstrate competencies that showcase your qualifications for job opportunities, you can choose an approach that meets your career needs.
Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to receive a Digital Badge from CSULB’s College of Professional and International Education. Each Digital Badge is embedded with a link to secure and specific information confirming that the participant has obtained the necessary skills and competencies as described in the program. The badge also includes the participant’s name, the course title, and date of completion. Badges are shareable and can be uploaded to CVs, resumes, social media profiles, or other digital platforms. Click here to learn more about Digital Badges.
MTO personnel seeking to enhance their knowledge of various marine terminal operations
Individuals seeking entry in marine terminal operations
Those interested in entering or learning more about the field of maritime transportation
Business or Operations Management graduates seeking employment in the maritime industry
Engineers, information technology specialists, and consultants providing services to marine terminals
Military personnel
Merchant marines
Industry-relevant, up-to-date curriculum encompassing cargo and passenger terminal operations
Taught by experienced practitioners and industry leaders
Networking opportunities
Enhances opportunity for entry or advancement in the industry
Convenient and flexible scheduling
Professional designation can be earned in six months to a year
Scholarships available.
The functions of the MTO within the global supply chain and international trade
The role and functions of the front line manager in the successful and efficient operation of cargo and passenger terminals
How MTOs are structured and their relationship to ocean carriers, the port complex, and the customers
How terminals generate revenue
The role of the labor force
Technology and its effect on efficiency
The structure and services performed by the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA)
The importance of labor relations in terminal operations and the role of the labor force
The responsibilities of terminal operations management in maintaining a safe and secure work environment
Regulatory and environmental issues related to terminal operations
The MTOP™ professional designation is awarded only by the Center for International Trade and Transportation (CITT) at CSULB to those who complete all program requirements, including:
Complete of all three courses in the program program(meet participation requirements for all weekly topics and pass all quizzes)
Complete all program requirements within two years of initial program registration
Completion of the Terminal Development Project, a final group project designed to demonstrate proficiency of all topics covered in the curriculum.
Present the team project to an industry panel (online students present via virtual meeting software)
Earn the MTOP Professional Designation and corresponding digital badge
Students may earn a certificate of completion as a Marine Terminal Specialist for completing all individual courses excluding theCapstone-Terminal Development Project course
Marine Terminal Operations Professional (MTOP)
Instructors
Wray Bartling has sixteen years with Pasha Stevedoring & Terminals. He worked in the pharmaceuticals industry for ten years with Johnson & Johnson and Roche Labs. He has a Bachelor of Science from San Diego State University and a Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine's Graziadio School of Business.
John Beghin began his waterfront career in 1999 working for a steamship agency. As an Operations Superintendent for a terminal stevedoring firm, he gained experience in terminal gate, container yard, rail, and marine operations. He became General Manager of Marine Operations at LBCT from 2007 to 2012. He also participated in the design and development of the Pier E terminal, then took the position of General Manager of Labor Relations. He has been a member of the PMA / ILWU Joint Port Labor Relations Committee as well as as the PMA Southern California Area Sub-Steering Committee.
John Beghin, General Manager of Labor Relations, Long Beach Container Terminal
Kristina Bowden specializes in occupational safety and health for maritime and stevedore operators. She was previously the Assistant Director of Health, Safety and Environment at Ports America, the largest terminal operator and stevedore in the U.S. and served two terms as Chairperson of the Joint Accident Prevention Committee for Southern California. Kristina is a graduate of the California Maritime Academy and served as Corps Commander in 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, an Academic Minor in Maritime Law, and a USCG Unlimited Third Mate License, in addition to numerous certifications and certificates.
Kristina Bowden, President & Owner, West Coast Resource Services, Inc.
Martin Cremer has been at Pier 400 since it first opened for business in 2002, and has worked in various positions including Operations Manager for Vessel, Yard, and Rail operations; Facility Security Officer; and alternate Terminal Safety Manager. He has also managed the terminal’s planning and coordination group in the Management Resource Center as well as the terminal’s automation systems in the Exception Resolution Center. Prior to APMT, Martin served in the U.S. Army as an officer in Field Artillery as a member of the 1st Armored Division and 75th Field Artillery Brigade. Martin holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the University of Southern California.
Martin Cresmer, Training Manager, APM Terminals Pacific, Pier 400
Charlie Doucette began his career with LBCT, where he became M&R department manager before transitioning into the operations side of the organization. From 2007-2012, he became General Manager of the terminal, gate and rail operations departments. He was then chosen to head up operations development at the new Middle Harbor Redevelopment Project (MHRP) as the General Manager of the operations process. He has since been promoted to Director of Operations at LBCT and now oversees the operations at both LBCT sites, Pier F and Pier E.
Charlie Doucette, Director of Operations, Long Beach Container Terminal
Jack Duesler started his maritime experience at the California Maritime Academy, where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Marine Transportation. After working for the Alaska Marine Highway on board their passenger/RoRo vessels, he joined the Master, Mates, and Pilots union. After gaining experience with container vessels, he took classes at the Nautical Institute for Dynamic Positing in Houston. He was hired as a 3rd Mate and Dynamic Position Operator for J. Ray McDermott, where he worked in the Gulf of Mexico’s oil industry. He quickly advanced to 2nd Mate and acquired his full DPO endorsement, before returning to the West Coast for his current position at NYK Line.
Jack B. Duesler, Port Captain and Terminal Operator, NYK Line, Long Beach
Jeff Gould has nearly 25 years of experience in finance and operational roles in the transportation industry. His areas of expertise include finance, strategic planning, labor relations, safety, and supply chain management. Prior to starting at SC Analytics, he was Vice President of Southern California for Palazzolo and Associates. He previously worked as Vice President of Finance and Accounting for Yusen Terminals; as well assenior manager of Operations/Logistics Finance for Mattel, Inc. He also served in senior management roles at APL in both finance and operations. Jeff's unique background includes extensive experience in both finance and operations for ocean carriers, marine terminals, and an importer.
Jeff Gould , President, SC Analytics
Gene Harris has 20 years of experience managing and leading terminal operations in the Port of Los Angeles. In his current role, Gene manages a combined budget of over $100 million and is responsible for the general oversight and implementation of the operational plan; as well as the strategic development and execution of Yard & Gate departmental Key Performance Indictors. He has consistently maintained a successful track record for managing a safe and productive workplace. Gene received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California Maritime Academy, and the Marine Terminal Operations Professional (MTOP) professional designation from CSULB.
Gene Harris, General Manager, Yard/Gate Operations, Yusen Terminals LLC
Captain Laura Kovary holds an Unlimited Tonnage Master’s License, and has sailed onboard tankers, freighters, container, and passenger ships. She is a Principal at Environmental Maritime Services, consulting for the oil and maritime industries on training, port security, environmental issues, and auditing services. She was a member and past President of the Board of Governors of the LA/LB Propeller Club; has held several positions on the LA/LB Harbor Safety Committee; and led the revision of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Port Dispersal Plan, in addition to actives on many other committees. She is holds a BS from California Maritime Academy and a MS in Maritime Management from Maine Maritime Academy.
Laura Kovary, Principal Consultant/Instructor, Environmental Maritime Services
Brandon Lecou manages multiple activities at ANL, including U.S. Break Bulk pricing and feasibility; and is the Senior Manager of Ports and Project Cargo for ANL’s Oceania operations. He entered the logistics industry as a manager with McKesson Pharmaceutical distribution, where he gained experience in Pick/Pack operations, Automation, and ILWU labor management. Then, as an Assistant Operations manager at Pier 400, he ran APM terminal’s container yard and vessel departments before becoming their Break Bulk manager. He then secured a position with Hamburg Sud Shipping Lines as a Regional Operations Manager, where he managed multiple marine terminals on the West Coast. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from CSULB.
Brandon Lecou, Senior Manager Ports and Project Cargo, Oceania
Bridgett Lewis has a dual role in overseeing security operations at the Port of Long Beach and the Central California Maritime Coordination Center housed at the state-of-the-art Security Command and Control Center. The Coordination Center is a collaboration of local, state, and federal maritime law enforcement agencies established to coordinate the response to criminal maritime activity, including human and narcotics trafficking. Bridgett holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Akron, Ohio, and numerous post-graduate certifications including one in Criminal Intelligence.
Bridgett Lewis, Manager, Security Operations, Port of Long Beach
Ebon Loeb currently oversees the process excellence development and training strategy for the Pacific Gulf Division of Ports America, and helps guide the project management activities of 19 different terminals in California, Washington, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi by using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies. Ebony started with Ports America as a front-line superintendent in 2007, working with the Rail, Planning, Equipment, Customer Service and Yard Operations.
Ebony Loeb, Senior Manager, Operational Excellence, Ports America
John S. Melendez has nearly 30 years of experience in stevedoring and terminal operations. He has worked as a stevedore superintendent, Terminal Manager, and Director of West Coast Cruise Operations for Metropolitan Stevedore Company and Metro Cruise Services. He was responsible for managing cruise vessel stevedore operations and cruise terminal operations in multiple West Coast ports. He also served as Facility Security Officer for the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles; and as Superintendent of Safety for Metropolitan Stevedore Company, where he wrote and implemented the Marine Terminal Safety Policy. John was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and graduated from CSUDH with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
John Melendez, Sales Coordination Manager, Long Beach Office, Hapag-Lloyd (America) LLC
David Pollard facilitates and delivers improved process solutions to all operations and levels of management. His previous experience includes the Union Pacific Railroad’s Intermodal Container Transfer Facility in Long Beach; and A.P. Moller-Maersk Group as Rail Operations Manager as well as Vessel Operations Manager. He was the Pier 400 Training Manager from 2008 to 2010, when he was hand-picked to manage the Hyundai / CUT sublease integration to Pier 400. David received his undergraduate degree from CSU Fullerton in 2002, and is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Southern California. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the MTOP program at CSULB.
David Pollard, General Manager of Continuous Improvement, APM Terminals Pier 400, Port of Los Angeles
Drew Schneider, Assistant Director of Security, Port of Long Beach
Jessica Voit, Human Resources Manager, Long Beach Container Terminal
Dave Wear has years of successful in-depth management of diverse commerce transportation and operational experience within the Container Transportation Operation industry. In his role at ONE, he works with operations, trade management, import/export, intermodal, equipment, and customer care departments. Dave previously worked as a general manager at Ports American and as a regional manager at Mi-Jack Products/In-Terminal Services. Dave is a graduate of CSU, Fullerton and has obtained secondary education and teaching experience at CSULB.
Dave Wear, Director, West Coast Port Operations, Ocean Network Express (ONE)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Marine Terminal Operations Program (MTOP) provides an overview of marine terminal operations from a West Coast perspective. It teaches students about container terminal operations, break bulk, bulk, and passenger terminal operations. It also covers the operational areas involved in moving cargo efficiently in and out of terminals including Gate & Yard operations, Rail operations, Vessel Planning, Maintenance & Repair.
The cost is $4,500.
The MTOP Program is a non-credit professional designation program issued upon successful completion of three courses and a final team project (Terminal Development Project).
The Marine Terminal Operations Specialist (MTOS) provides in-depth information on different aspects of marine terminal operations, resulting in a certificate that signifies your new knowledge and skills. The MTOS is earned by completing these courses: • Foundations in Global Trade series (includes three courses) • Overview of Terminal Operations • Management/Longshore Labor Relations • Marine Terminal Operations
The Marine Terminal Operations Professional (MTOP) program includes everything in the MTOS educational track, plus a demonstration of what you learned in a final terminal development project. By analyzing a fictitious business case study as part of a team, you can earn the professional designation title.
You must meet attendance and/or participation requirements for each module and pass all the quizzes with 75% or better.
The TDP is a final team project for a fictitious marine terminal. In this project, your team will decide what to do with additional land adjacent to your terminal. You will deliver your proposal in an oral presentation to an industry panel. You will also submit a written report. Upon completion of courses and passing the TDP project, you will earn your MTOP professional designation.
No, classes are designed to be taken in any order, with the exception of the Terminal Development Project, which must be completed concurrently with all other courses or completed afterwards.
In order to register for the Terminal Development Project, you must complete all of the other courses prior to your enrollment in the course; OR be concurrently enrolled to complete all other courses in the same semester as the Terminal Development Project.
The entire program must be completed within two years. The industry is always changing. After two years away from the program, students will be required to re-enroll in the entire program.
No, we do not provide job placement. However, jobs are posted on our website and shared on our CITT Network group on LinkedIn.
Learning extends beyond the classroom, and we encourage students to learn more by attending industry events. The program is taught by instructors from the industry, and you will also take classes with students who work in the industry, which gives you excellent networking opportunities.
No, the program is not available to international students who require a student visa.
Foundations in Global Trade
This course provides students with an introduction to the intermodal transportation industry, while providing the foundational knowledge required to pursue the Global Logistics or Marine Terminal Operations programs.
Students who successfully complete this program are eligible to receive a Digital Badge from CSULB’s College of Professional and International Education. Each Digital Badge is embedded with a link to secure and specific information confirming that the participant has obtained the necessary skills and competencies as described in the program. The badge also includes the participant’s name, the course title, and date of completion. Badges are shareable and can be uploaded to CVs, resumes, social media profiles, or other digital platforms. Click here to learn more about Digital Badges.
In This Program You'll Learn
Global freight distribution systems
Public policy, regulatory environment, and compliance
Innovations in technology and operations
Offerings of this program have either started or are under development. Please check back for information on the next offering email cpie-info@csulb.edu.
Management/Longshore Labor Relations & Safety and Security
This course covers management and longshore labor relations, and what it takes to maintain a safe and secure workplace in a marine terminal operations environment. The course emphasizes the importance of good communications and good relations between management and labor in a union environment, with the ultimate goal of increasing productivity to retain jobs and cargo at the ports. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the frontline operations manager in handling cargo flow while maintaining a safe and secure work environment. The importance of accident prevention and required training on the waterfront, as well as the implications of safety and security enforcement on labor relations, will be covered.
The role of the PMA in representing employers and how they work with the ILWU
ILWU and understanding the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)
Negotiation and conflict resolution as it pertains to the grievance procedure of the CBA
Regulatory environment and safety and security initiatives
Coordination between terminal operator, government and port security agencies
Offerings of this program have either started or are under development. Please check back for information on the next offering email cpie-info@csulb.edu.
Marine Terminal Operations
This course covers maritime port operations for cargo and passenger terminals. It will provide an overview of different types of cargo handled at different types of terminals, the facilities required, and the labor needed to efficiently move cargo to meet customer demands. Students will learn the role of the frontline operations manager in container break bulk, bulk, Ro-Ro, and cruise terminal operations. Students will gain an overview of the industry, the relationship to intermodal transportation systems, and the role of the MTO in world trade and the global supply chain. Students will learn what it takes to get a container into the terminal, the role of the stevedore, how to work a vessel, managing and planning double-stack rail operations, efficient management and use of available real estate, and how to keep equipment safe and reliable. Students will gain an understanding of how containerized cargo is received, stored, and distributed.
Offerings of this program have either started or are under development. Please check back for information on the next offering email cpie-info@csulb.edu.
Capstone Project - Terminal Development
The Terminal Development Project is a case study of a fictitious marine terminal. This final project demonstrates understanding of key operational considerations related to labor management, terminal efficiencies, technology, customer service, safety, and security. The project also demonstrates critical thinking and decision-making skills required to succeed in a frontline management position at a marine terminal.
Please Note:
The project can be completed concurrently as scheduled during the semester, or after all courses have been completed in a previous semester.
Offerings of this program have either started or are under development. Please check back for information on the next offering email cpie-info@csulb.edu.