The Empire State VI returned to SUNY Maritime's Olivet Pier the morning of Aug. 11 with 536 students, including 42 from Texas Maritime Academy.

This year's summer sea term included port stops in New Orleans, Louisiana; Alicante, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Palermo, Italy; and Las Palmas, Canary Islands.

Summer sea term is an integral part of the educational experience for Maritime students in the U.S. Coast Guard license program. The licenses, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard, qualify men and women to work onboard commercial ships and other marine vessels. To earn a license, students must earn 360 days of sea time, most of which is accrued during summer sea terms. 

During summer sea term, students are responsible for operating, navigating and maintaining the ship. The hands-on experience reinforces and expands on what students learn in the classroom. They also take classes, seminars and demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge to earn a license, including navigating by the stars, mapping the ship's systems to learn how everything works; and conducting safety drills and practicing emergency procedures.

Summer sea term is split into two halves: rising sophomores and juniors are divided between two 45-day voyages and rising seniors are onboard for the full 90-day term. In total, 1,074 students sailed on the Empire State VI this summer. 

The students are also able to visit and explore the ports and experience different cultures. This year, they visited cathedrals, castles and aquariums and took camel rides. They also visit the different ports themselves, learning about operational aspects, and ship repair and building facilities. 

The 2017-2018 academic year begins Aug. 28.