The Port Houston Small Business and Maritime Education Outreach Department participated at the 2017 Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo held at the San Jacinto College Maritime Technology and Training Center April 28.

Nearly 700 students attended the expo, learning about different careers in the maritime and logistics industries. The expo featured presentations by mariners on the topics of towboats, harbor tugs, barges, shipping forklifts, dredging, survey vessels and maritime salvage equipment.

There were more than 30 exhibitors at the event, including a splashing tugboat push competition and a Port of Houston fire boat. Games, giveaways and a photo booth station of the M/V Sam Houston were provided throughout the morning.

“This year, we even included a Port of Houston fire truck and the new port emergency management Mobile Command Center (MCC) on the grounds. The kids loved seeing all the technology available. We had a record turnout of students, which made the event a success,” said Gilda Ramirez, Port Houston senior director for small business and education outreach.

The event is supported by the Port of Houston Partners in Maritime Education Program and is co-sponsored by Harris County Precinct 2, the Houston Pilots, San Jacinto College and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.