A maritime academy is a technical school that teaches practical skills that can be used on the ocean or in ocean-related industries. It offers classes in maritime law, international business, engineering, technology, and a variety of other fields directly related to careers on the high seas, in addition to sailor training. Graduates of such a school are prepared for careers in shipping, merchant marine, or any other maritime industry.
For hundreds of years, people have benefited from the training provided maritime academies. Early ones provided training in seamanship, such as navigation, officer training, ship handling, and how to conduct yourself while on board. Students at a maritime academy today choose an area of focus just like they would at a general education college, as international business has grown, so has training. Summer short courses for high school students to full-length four-year training programs leading to advanced degrees are available.
A maritime academy combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. Most have at least one learning vessel that students can use on long and short cruises to learn how to operate a commercial vessel, conduct business, and work together on the high seas. Navigation, law, business, engineering, weather science, and a variety of other relevant topics are covered in class. Students are often given the opportunity to interact with shipboard equipment as well as tour commercial shipyards and offices. In addition, many maritime academies require students to maintain a certain level of physical fitness and to take courses to achieve this goal.
Maritime academies are as diverse as private four-year colleges, and students considering attending one should thoroughly research all of their options before deciding. A maritime academy that is certified the merchant marine should be chosen, especially if the student intends to enter the merchant marine. Students interested in engineering or technology should consider a four-year institution that provides extensive training in these fields, while those interested in international law and shipping regulations should consider a school with a large legal program.
Students may earn a Bachelor of Science, a Merchant Marine Officer’s License, or a Naval Officer’s Commission after graduating from a maritime academy, depending on the type of school. These credentials will enable the student to work on the ocean or on land in the maritime industry.