The tugboat Henry Foss turned a barge in a seemingly effortless motion on Tacoma's Commencement Bay.

The maneuver was practiced, clear in intent and the product of professionalism - kind of like ballet on the water.

As the tug pushed the barge to its mooring on the Thea Foss Waterway, I was reminded of how servicemembers understand how discipline and hard work foster professional results.

"There are many skills in the military that are transferrable to the civilian maritime industry," Mike Stone, Foss Maritime Company's regional operations manager, said.

"We want to find the next generation of dedicated and professional employees."

With a quarter-of-a-century in the Army and Coast Guard, Stone knows of what he speaks.

He pointed out that Foss Maritime looks for life-long learners who want challenging work, great pay and benefits, and the opportunity to grow within the maritime industry.

"It is not uncommon for grandparents, parents and their children to work here," Stone added.

A presence on the water for a century-and-a-quarter and based in Seattle, Foss Maritime continues to set the standard for marine transportation with superior technology, engineering, training and shipbuilding.

Along with its independent subsidiaries, Foss Maritime employs thousands of individuals throughout the United States.

With hundreds of tugs and barges, the company provides harbor services and transportation operation in all major West Coast ports - including the Columbia and Snake river systems.

Internationally, Foss Maritime supports customers across the Pacific Rim, in Europe, South America and the Arctic.

"Foss prides itself on always offering customers safe and innovation solutions," Stone explained.

But at the heart of this company are the individuals who work in the shipyard, on shore or on tugs.

According to some of these individuals, they share much the same attitude that servicemembers do.

"The eagerness to listen and learn is vital," Doug Bezona, the captain of the tug, Andrew Foss, and an almost 40-year employee said as we stood on the ship's bridge.

"Military members work out well with us," added Bryan Morris, the ship's engineer, as he worked in the ship's galley.

Both Stone and Bezona suggested that servicemembers who are thinking about entering the civilian work have their military training accredited and use their tuition assistance.

"Foss values our military members and the service they provide, and this industry is a good place for them to look at in continuing in that spirit," Stone said.

The first step into this career field begins with obtaining a Merchant Mariner Credential (www.uscg.mil/nmc/credentials).  Once this is completed, the second step is to secure a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (www.tsa.gov/stakeholders/transportation-worker-indentification-credential-twic%C2%AE).

These two steps are critical to obtaining employment in the maritime industry.

The next step is to then submit an application to the United States Coast Guard Regional Exam Center (www.uscg.mil/nmc/recs/sea.asp).

For more information about employment opportunities, visit www.fossmaritime.com.