Merchant Mariners

High School

Mathematics and physics courses are good training for a number of nautical activities. Computer science will prepare you for the increasing use of high technology at sea, and physical education will get you in shape for the sometimes strenuous work on a ship.

Postsecondary Training

Most deck officers and engineers have a bachelor's degree from a merchant marine academy. Non-officers do not typically have baccalaureate degrees. These workers prepare for the field by participating in on-the-job training that lasts from several months to a year.

A good way to fulfill educational requirements and also learn about the various types of shipboard work is to attend one of the following maritime schools that are recognized by the U.S. Maritime Administration:

• California Maritime Academy (https://www.csum.edu)
• Great Lakes Maritime Academy (https://www.nmc.edu/maritime)
• Maine Maritime Academy (https://mainemaritime.edu)
• Maritime College at the State University of New York (http://www.sunymaritime.edu)
• Massachusetts Maritime Academy (https://www.maritime.edu)
• Texas A&M Maritime Academy (https://www.tamug.edu/corps)
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (https://www.usmma.edu)

Unions such as American Maritime Officers and the Seafarers International Union-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO also offer training.

Most students at these schools are required to take courses in computer science, English, history, math, biological sciences, and social sciences. To be accepted to a maritime academy, a good scholastic achievement record and test scores are important. Also considered are extracurricular activities, character and personality, and leadership potential. To attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, students must be nominated by a U.S. congressperson.