U.S. MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

SHIPBOARD TRAINING POLICY

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy mission is to serve the economic and security interests of the United States through the provision of highly qualified, well-educated maritime professionals.  This requires a unique blend of classroom and shipboard education and training.

Shipboard training requires service aboard several types of U.S.- flag merchant vessels in active commerce, including those engaged in logistical support of the armed forces, and with assignment to all areas of the world in order to provide the maximum number and variety of seagoing experiences possible.  The assignment of Midshipmen to vessels is based on individual training needs and available vessel opportunities.

Students at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy are congressionally appointed and are in training to be Merchant Marine Naval Reserve officers who serve with the Navy in time of national emergency.  As students at a Federal service academy, Midshipmen are subject to education and training duties, responsibilities and experiences which reflect national commerce and security policy requirements.  An important part of the required training and experience is service aboard U.S.-flag vessels.

It is the policy of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy to continue the fifty year tradition of seagoing training which has spanned many periods of worldwide political and military unrest.

For information on the Battle Standard, please go to Parents Bulletin Board- Battle Standard History Page.