From the classroom to Casco Bay.

When Milo Cook-Sharp ‘23 arrived at Maine Maritime Academy, she thought her future would be aboard research vessels. Through hands-on learning, co-op experiences, and time spent aboard MMA’s training vessels, she discovered a passion for tugboats that ...led her to her current role with Portland Tugboat and McAllister Towing.

Today, Milo works as an Able Seaman and Mate, helping escort ships safely through Portland Harbor. She credits MMA’s experiential approach—from boat handling and navigation to situational awareness—for preparing her to succeed on the water every day.

“Hands-on education at Maine Maritime really means you are running the boat.”

Watch Milo share how Maine Maritime helped turn an interest in marine science into a rewarding maritime career.

#Mainemaritime #AlumniSpotlight #WomenInMaritime #MaritimeCareers #Tugboats #PortlandHarbor #HandsOnLearning #MaritimeEducation #MarinerPride #CareerPath

Cadet Shipping Highlight

Meet 3/C Braeden Cunningham from Kearny, New Jersey, who is spending his cadet shipping assignment aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America in Honolulu, Hawaii.

As the only major U.S.-flagged cruise ship operating year-round in Hawaii, Pride of ...America provides a unique training environment where Braeden gains hands-on experience while visiting some of the Pacific's most scenic destinations. From shipboard operations to working alongside maritime professionals in the passenger vessel industry, cadet shipping offers opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting.

We wish Braeden continued success as he builds experience and prepares for a career at sea.

#Mainemaritime #CadetShipping #FutureMariner #NorwegianCruiseLine #PrideOfAmerica #HandsOnLearning #MaritimeEducation #Hawaii #CareerPath

Next Port: Port Everglades, Florida

With just three port calls remaining and about one month left in Summer Sea Term, the STATE OF MAINE is underway on the next leg of its voyage. After departing St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, students are trading cool temperatures, rugged ...coastlines, and dramatic North Atlantic scenery for warmer weather, blue waters, and the tropical landscapes of South Florida.

Life aboard remains busy as cadets continue settling into their new responsibilities following the halfway-point rotation between deck and engine assignments. The transition offers valuable hands-on experience across shipboard operations, helping students build a deeper understanding of life and work at sea.

As the miles pass beneath the keel, the countdown to the final weeks of Summer Sea Term is officially on.

Fort Lauderdale, keep an eye on the waterfront! Follow the journey of the next generation of maritime professionals and see one of the newest training ships in the nation. Learn more: https://mainemaritime.edu

#SummerSeaTerm #StateOfMaine #MaineMaritime #TrainingShip #MaritimeEducation #CadetLife #PortEverglades #LearningAtSea #FutureMariners #LifeAtSea #CareerPath

In Port: St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador 🇨🇦

As the only international port call of Summer Sea Term 2026, St. John’s has provided unforgettable opportunities for exploration, learning, and adventure.

For sunrise, Capt. Mac led a group of students on a hike to the ...top of Signal Hill, where they were rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking the Atlantic and the entrance to St. John’s Harbour. Another group of students took on the challenge of hiking approximately 12 miles along the East Coast Trail to Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America.

While ashore, students, faculty, staff, and crew visited the Marine Institute of Memorial University, one of North America’s premier maritime education and training centers. The institute features world-class ship bridge and engine room simulators, as well as the world’s largest flume tank, where researchers and industry partners test vessel designs, fishing gear, and marine technologies in controlled conditions. Like Maine Maritime Academy, the Marine Institute is a proud member of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), sharing a commitment to advancing global maritime education and training.

The visit also included a tour of the Canadian Coast Guard station, providing students with an up-close look at the vessels, personnel, and operations that help keep Canada’s waters safe.

From rugged coastal trails to world-class maritime facilities, St. John’s has been a remarkable stop on this year’s voyage.

#mainemaritime #SummerSeaTerm #StateOfMaine #StJohnsNL #NewfoundlandAndLabrador #IAMU #MaritimeEducation #EastCoastTrail #CapeSpear #SignalHill #CanadianCoastGuard #MaritimeTraining #TSSOM #CareerPath

The STATE OF MAINE will depart St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, today, June 16, at 12:00 p.m. (NDT), continuing its Summer Sea Term voyage as it sets course for its next port call in Port Everglades, Florida.

Join us as we send the crew off with fair winds and following seas as ...they begin the next leg of their journey. A livestream will be available beginning at 11:45 a.m. (NDT) to follow the departure from St. John’s Harbour.

Livestream and Summer Sea Term Blog:
https://mainemaritime.edu/tssom-training-cruise-blog/2026-summer/ship-departure-charleston-sc-livestream/

#mainemaritime #SST26