Cadet Shipping Highlight: Midn. Dakota Fahey

Midn. Dakota Fahey is spending his cadet shipping assignment with Maersk Line, Limited, where he is serving as an Engine Cadet aboard a vessel operating in the Gulf of Mexico.

A native of Cherryfield, Maine, Dakota is gaining valuable ...hands-on experience at sea — working alongside professional mariners, taking part in maintenance and rebuild projects, and building the engineering skills needed for a successful career in the maritime industry.

Reflecting on his experience so far, Dakota shared:

“The crew has been outstanding, including the reliefs that we have gotten. I’ve been part of a bunch of maintenance and rebuild jobs. So far, it has been an incredible experience. Here are some pictures from my experience so far, ranging from Norfolk, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Houston, and Savannah.”

From port calls across the U.S. and Europe to day-to-day operations aboard ship, cadet shipping provides Maine Maritime Academy students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in the real world and experience the global maritime industry firsthand.

Keep going, Dakota!

#MaineMaritime #CadetShipping #EngineCadet #FutureMariner #MaritimeEducation #HandsOnLearning #MaritimeCareers #MarinerStrong #CareerPath

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