Postcard from Sea Year: Midshipmen Saxon and Koval aboard the APL China.

Introduction to Sea Year

What is Sea Year

Sea Year is a cooperative educational program that provides midshipmen with practical knowledge of vessel operations, trade routes, and the maritime industry while fostering self-reliance, self-discipline, and professional character.

Schedule and Duration

The first sea period takes place during the sophomore year and lasts approximately 130 to 150 days. The second sea period occurs during junior and/or senior year and lasts roughly 245 to 270 days.

Compensation

Midshipmen are paid on commercial vessel assignments.

Destinations

Assignments may take midshipmen to ports all over the world, including Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and domestic ports like Alaska and Hawaii.

Pre-Departure Requirements and Packing

Clearance

Every midshipman must clear with their Company Officer and complete a Sea Year Clearance Check Sheet prior to departure.

Required Documents

Midshipmen must carry essential documents including:

1. Valid Passport
2. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
3. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)
4. International Certificates of Vaccination (Shot Card)
5. Drug Free Certificate (DFC) 
6. Medical Fit for Duty paperwork
7. Ship specific documentation

Briefing Package

Before leaving the Academy, midshipmen must pick up a Briefing Package from Shipboard Training, which contains shipboard evaluations, assignment reports, and medical forms. 

Luggage Allowances

Midshipmen are reimbursed for up to two checked bags (each under 50 pounds) and one carry-on bag.

Packing List

Key items to pack include but are not limited to:

1. Sea Khakis
2. Steel-toed thick-soled work boots
3. Work pants (such as Carhartt or Dickies)
4. Safety goggles, a flashlight, a knife
5. Sea projects
6. Communication devices
7. Workout gear
8. Laptop
9. Specific stationery supplies required for Sea Projects

Travel Procedures and Communication

Travel Reimbursement 

The Academy authorizes and reimburses travel from the Academy directly to ship, and approved travel between ships.

Expense Vouchers 

Midshipmen must retain all receipts for transportation and lodging. A travel reimbursement voucher must be submitted to the Travel Office no later than ten days after returning to the Academy.

Communication 

Midshipmen are required to contact their Academy Training Representative (ATR)* during emergencies, when returning to the U.S., or upon arrival at a port of detachment. While at sea, midshipmen can communicate with home using email and issued satellite devices.

*For Sexual Assault Sexual Harassment (SASH) emergencies contact the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) hotline (516) 462-3207.