At Bob Barker Company, our vision has always extended beyond the products we provide. For more than 50 years, we’ve supported those who serve and protect while also investing in those looking for a way forward after incarceration.
Now, we’re proud to share a bold new step in that journey: the acquisition of Bluewater Maritime School, a vocational training center in Jacksonville, Florida, offering U.S. Coast Guard-approved certifications for aspiring mariners.
So, why maritime training? Because it works. Students receive a certificate in as little as three weeks with real-world skills, job-ready certifications, and a clear path to employment. Most importantly, over 60% of students served are the very individuals we’ve long sought to support: those impacted by the justice system and searching for a better future.
In an industry with high demand and zero tolerance for substance abuse, these jobs offer more than a paycheck. They offer dignity, structure and opportunity. Individuals who have experienced homelessness or who have been incarcerated can begin building a stable life after just one “hitch” on a ship.
We’re also proud to announce that we tapped Trey Baker, former director of Talent Development at Bob Barker Company, as the school’s new president. He brings his heart for adult education and his commitment to personal transformation to lead this endeavor.
As we grow, we remain committed to our core business and customers. But we also recognize that the best way to make a difference is to do more. Acquiring Bluewater Maritime School allows us to manifest Bob Barker Company’s Vision of Transforming Criminal Justice While Honoring God in All We Do. Additionally, it serves as an excellent complement to the Bob Barker Foundation, which has awarded grants exceeding $10 million to more than 500 organizations working towards reducing recidivism.
This is only the beginning of what’s possible. Below, check out a message from our CEO, Robert Barker, and stay tuned for more updates as we chart this course together.