The Maritime College Cadet Shipping program brings together partnering maritime companies and motivated cadets in a professional, industry-supported environment.

The program integrates real-time maritime industry exposure, practical work experience and independent academic study to prepare cadets for their final summer sea term in their first-class year, the final at-sea requirement for obtaining a U.S. Coast Guard third mate or assistant engineer license.

In addition to supporting the Maritime Administration's mission of ensuring a consistent supply of capable and well trained merchant mariners for national sealift needs, the cadet shipping program also supports the at-sea requirements for Maritime students in the associate degree program in Marine Technology/Small Vessel Operations.

Cadet Shipping Requirements

  • Successful completion of one cruise aboard the Empire State VI

  • Minimum GPA of 2.3

  • Good regimental standing; cadets with a Class I offense or excessive demerits in the same conduct year as the application are not eligible

  • Valid MMC with appropriate endorsements

  • Valid TWIC

  • Valid passport

  • Must obtain a USCG-719K 

  • STCW letters and drug letters, coordinated by the cadet shipping coordinator with the Licensing department and the regiment of cadets

  • No failing grade on any license course

    * Current students should refer to the Cadet Shipping Handbook for a detailed description of the full eligibility requirements.

Cadet Shipping Periods 

Spring 

This session replaces the second-class cruise. Cadets must apply through their academic department early in the fall to determine eligibility. Once approved by the academic department and the regiment of cadets, candidates will attend the fall cadet shipping meeting. Learn more.

Students will ship out Christmas Day through the beginning of pre-cruise.

Summer

This session replaces the second-class cruise. Cadets must apply through their academic department early in the fall to determine eligibility. Once approved by the academic department and the regiment of cadets, candidates will attend the spring cadet shipping meeting. Learn more.

Students will ship out at the end of the spring semester until the start of the fall semester.

Post-Cruise

This program is only available to cadets registered for the first half of summer sea term. This program does not require academic department approval. Students apply through the cadet shipping program and must attend an informational meeting in the spring.

Students will ship out for eight weeks, from July to the start of the fall semester.

Winter

Students apply for the winter session through the cadet shipping program and do not need approval from their academic department. Candidates must attend an informational meeting in October.

They will ship out for four weeks, from the end of the fall semester to the start of the spring semester.

Forms

Current students can find all required forms for Cadet Shipping on the Porthole. 

Additional information

For more information contact Ray Waters, Cadet Shipping Coordinator at rwaters@sunymaritime.edu

The Cadet Shipping office is located on the first floor of Baylis Hall, Office of Student Affairs. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday.