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Operational Status: Open

Vessels

Overview of Sea Year Vessels

During your Sea Year, you will be assigned to a variety of operating U.S.-flag merchant vessels, as well as ships engaged in logistical support for the armed forces, to transverse trade routes around the world. The overarching goal is to provide you with the greatest number and variety of seagoing experiences practicable.

First Sailing Period: Exploring the Fleet

During your first sea period, you will typically be assigned to several different kinds of vessels to familiarize yourself with the makeup of the U.S. merchant fleet. You can expect to sail on Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels and standard commercial vessels such as container ships, roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) vessels, and breakbulk cargo ships.

A flat, stylized illustration of a commercial container ship with a black and red hull, loaded with stacks of brightly colored shipping containers, set against a light blue circular background.

Container Ships

Serving as the backbone of global trade, container ships revolutionized international shipping by efficiently transporting standardized ISO containers and drastically lowering transportation costs.

A flat, stylized illustration of a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel with a tall, enclosed, boxy blue and white hull designed for vehicle transport, set against a light blue circular background.

Roll-on/Roll-off Vessels

These ships function as floating parking garages where wheeled cargo is driven directly on and off via built-in ramps, offering a faster, safer, and more versatile alternative to traditional crane loading.
 

A flat, stylized illustration of a commercial cargo vessel featuring a blue and grey hull with four large, yellow cylindrical tanks on its deck, set against a light blue circular background.

Breakbulk Cargo Ships

Breakbulk vessels use cranes to load oversized or irregular goods piece-by-piece, allowing them to transport items that don't fit in standard containers and access smaller, less-equipped ports.

A flat, stylized illustration of a grey military or general cargo ship with a prominent superstructure and deck posts, set against a light blue circular background.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) Vessels 

Non-combatant workhorses of the United States Navy. They are responsible for providing global logistics, ocean transportation, and specialized maritime support to sustain U.S. military forces worldwide.

Second Sailing Period: Tailoring to Your Career Goals

Your second sailing period offers additional vessel options and more flexibility. During this time, you may request assignment to a specific type of vessel to satisfy a particular career interest. Midshipmen are generally assigned to three or more vessels during this longer sea period.

A front-facing view of a massive commercial oil tanker with a black hull and a red deck covered in intricate piping, sailing forward through the open ocean.

Oil Tanker

During their second Sea Year term, midshipmen have the unique opportunity to deploy aboard commercial oil tankers to gain specialized, hands-on experience with liquid cargo operations. This assignment allows them to develop critical maritime skills, such as managing complex pumping systems and handling hazardous materials, while working directly alongside seasoned industry professionals.

Special Ship Assignments

After successfully completing your first sailing period, you may be eligible to apply for Special Ship Assignments. These are unique, highly sought-after opportunities on vessels that do not normally carry cadets or require special scheduling. Special assignments include:

A tall, grey naval warship docked at a concrete pier at sunset, accompanied by a smaller tugboat and service barges moored directly alongside its hull.
U.S. Military and Government Vessels

Midshipmen with a strong desire for a naval or military career can request 30-60 days training cruises aboard U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA, or Army Watercraft vessels.

A bright red cargo vessel navigating through cold waters scattered with floating icebergs, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a cloudy blue sky.
Operation Deep Freeze

This unique assignment involves a voyage to Antarctica, generally aboard a tanker charted to or operated for the Military Sealift Command (MSC).

A long, traditional Great Lakes bulk carrier ship sailing down a vibrant green waterway, with the dense Detroit city skyline towering in the background.
Great Lakes Vessels

If authorized and approved by the Maritime Administration, you may be assigned to a vessel dedicated to operations on the Great Lakes. These vessels typically operate from April to December and offer a distinct navigation and working experience compared to deep-sea assignments.

An overhead view of a bright red and white Canadian Coast Guard ship featuring a helipad on its bow, securely docked at a pier next to parked vehicles and maritime equipment.
International Flag Vessels

If authorized and approved by the Maritime Administration, you may be assigned to foreign flag vessels, provided the ship's officers are fluent in English or you are fluent in the ship's designated common language.

Last updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Applications for the Class of 2031 open on 1 May 2026

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