ALL HANDS ON DECK: SHAWNEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERING HANDS-ON RIVER-WORK TRAINING; SECOND CLASS IS SET TO GET UNDER WAY ON FEB. 15

When students join a new deckhand training program at Shawnee Community College near Ullin, Ill., they get more than classroom training.

"We take them on board a boat where they receive hands-on training," said Don St. Arbor, the college's new coordinator and instructor of the deckhand program.

The program was designed by Homer Cissell, who joined the staff of Shawnee College more than a year ago as director of resource development.

The course was added to the college's curriculum for 1993, but the first group of 13 students started classes Nov. 30.

"The students will attend eight weeks of classroom training and five weeks of internship," said Cissell. "A new class will get under way Feb. 15."

The classes are conducted along the Ohio River at Metropolis.

A refurbished boat, "Electra," is provided by the college for training purposes. It is fleeted by Mid-South Towing.

"We're in the process of obtaining a fleeting permit," said Cissell. "We want to establish our own fleet of about four barges, which can be used during the first eight weeks of training."

Cissell said arrangements had already been made to lease riverfront space from Laidlaw Corp. at Metropolis.

The "Electra" was donated to the college, and "several companies have offered to donate barges," said Cissell. "We have been reluctant to accept the barges until we get our fleeting permit," he said.

Classroom sessions also include instruction in mathematics, CPR, health and English. The English course is specially designed to enhance skills in speaking and resume writing, said St. Arbor.

Following the first eight weeks, students will join a regular barge line for five weeks.

"They will be assigned to a senior deckhand, or work directly under the first mate on the barge line," said Cissell. "Based on the evaluation of these people, the student will received a deckhand certificate."

St. Arbor, a licensed inland operator and tanker operator, said the deckhand program will result in more highly skilled people, making the river a safer place to transport goods and services.

"With the support of local barge companies, graduates have a better chance of employment in this field," said St. Arbor. He said openings are also available for river-based companies that are interested in providing internships to students in the program.

Additional information concerning the program is available by contacting St. Arbor at the college, (618)-634-2242.

"Cissell, a native Southern Illinoisan, received his doctorate degree in teaching at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Before returning to the area, he served as dean of institutional advancement at Lincoln (Ill.) College.

"I worked with industry at Lincoln," he said. "Then I would orchestrate courses to coordinate with industry needs. The deckhand program at Shawnee could lead to other courses such as diesel repair and maintenance, and others."

Shawnee is also involved in an over-the-road truck-driving course.