Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Claire MacDonald, 3rd Assistant Engineer
Southampton, NY | Marine Engineering Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I have known from a young age ...that I wanted to work in the maritime industry; it has always interested me and excited me the most, so I wanted to follow that passion. After graduation, I hope to work on deep-sea vessels, whether it is oil tankers or RO/RO carriers. I want to see as much of the world as possible while working my way up as an engineer.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I think the most exciting and rewarding part will be watching the 4/C grow and getting to set a good example for them. Teaching them everything I know, and what I wish I did when I was in their shoes. I want to help build their confidence so they have a strong foundation going into cadet shipping next summer. Seeing them become even better people and leaders will be incredibly meaningful.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Samuel Smoak Jr., Cadet Bosun
Charleston, SC | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“Growing up in Charleston exposed me to ...the industry quite early. I started dredging after high school and decided I wanted to be more directly involved. After graduation, I would like to be back on tankers.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I am looking forward to showing the underclassmen just how much there is to be learned during freshman cruise, cadet shipping, and on campus at MMA.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Jaden Knight, Cadet Chief Mate
Atlanta, GA | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“My passion for the water and my constant ...drive to learn led me to pursue a career in the maritime industry. After graduation, I hope to sail on RoRo or ConRo vessels, gaining valuable experience at sea, and ultimately work toward becoming a port pilot later in my career.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I’m especially excited for the opportunity to test all the capabilities of the new NSMV STATE OF MAINE and to be part of the 250th Anniversary Parade in New York.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Maine Maritime Academy’s 83rd Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Field House. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

We’re honored to welcome the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, as this year’s commencement speaker.

...More information: https://commencement.mainemaritime.edu

Join us as we celebrate the Class of 2026 and all they have achieved! ⚓

#MMACommencement #ClassOf2026

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Maxwell Page, Delta Cadet QMED
Portland, ME | Marine Engineering Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“Both of my parents and brother went to Maine ...Maritime Academy and I saw how successful they are. I hope to work on deep sea vessels and not see land for days.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“Learning the new systems of the ship. Looking to get more hands-on experience with the new training engine control room.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Happening TODAY ⚓💡

Join us tonight at Maine Maritime Academy for the Rising Tide Award, a student business pitch competition showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of students in the Small Business Management course, offered by the Loeb-Sullivan School of International ...Business and Logistics.

🗓 Tonight | 6 p.m.
📍 Alfond Student Center

🎟 Free & open to the public (RSVP encouraged):
https://www.risingtide.media/events/student-business-pitch-competition

📺 Can’t make it in person? Watch live:
https://live.mainemaritime.edu/

From consumer products to service apps to marine-focused startups, 12 student teams will pitch original business ideas—competing for $4,000 in cash prizes. Six teams will take the stage in a live, “Shark Tank”-style showdown, and the audience will help decide the People’s Choice winners.

Come out, show your support, and maybe discover the next big idea.

@machiassavings @risingtide.media #mainemaritime #GoodLuck #LearnBusiness

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Cort Lefebvre, Cadet Chief Engineer
Freeport, ME | Marine Engineering Technology

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I never really wanted to sit at a desk ...for my job, nor stay in the same place. The maritime industry has and will allow me to travel, learn important skills, and work with my hands. I hope to commission as a U.S Navy officer and I would go to drilling when I get out.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I can’t wait to work with the Texas cadets and to further improve my technical and leadership skills. I also can’t wait to travel with my best friends around the world.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Leland Seggerman, Cadet 3rd Mate (Delta)
Oxbow, OR | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I always liked the sea and always ...wanted to work on the water. After graduation, I hope to work aboard tanker vessels.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“I am most excited to experience the new training vessel. It’s a great honor to be the first class to take it out.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Got an idea worth investing in? Come hear 12 of them.

Join us at Maine Maritime Academy for the "Rising Tide Award", a student business pitch competition showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of students in the Small Business Management course, offered by the ...Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics.

🗓 Monday, April 27 | 6 p.m.
📍 Alfond Student Center
🎟 Free & open to the public: RSVP encouraged -
https://www.risingtide.media/events/student-business-pitch-competition
📺 Event will also be livestreamed: https://live.mainemaritime.edu/

From consumer products to service apps to marine-focused startups, 12 student teams will present their original business ideas—competing for $4,000 in cash prizes. Six teams will pitch live to a panel of judges in a “Shark Tank”-style showdown, while all teams compete for People’s Choice Awards voted on by the audience.

Hosted in partnership with The Rising Tide, this event brings together students, community members, business leaders, and potential investors for an evening of creativity, competition, and connection.

Come support the next generation of entrepreneurs—and maybe discover the next big idea.

Sponsors: The Rising Tide • Machias Savings Bank • Maine Maritime Academy • Loeb Sullivan School of Business and Logistics • Castine Community Partners • Anonymous Donors

@machiassavings @risingtide.media #mainemaritime #GoodLuck #LearnBusiness

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Brooke Foran, Medical Officer / Charlie Bosun
Bethlehem, PA | Marine Transportation Operations

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“My interest in the ...maritime industry began when I was sailing tall ships during and after high school. Being a deckhand on a voyaging schooner gave me an amazing insight into the industry and sparked my interest! I hope to be able to work on unlimited ships in both poles and continue sailing tall ships in my off time. CELESTIAL NAV!!!!”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath

Meet the Summer Sea Term Student Crew ⚓
Zachary Hardy, Machinist
Fairfax County, VA | Marine Engineering Technology

What got you interested in the maritime industry? What do you hope to do within the industry when you graduate?
“I will start my career with the USCG and then... ship out after serving.”

What are you most excited about during Summer Sea Term?
“Being able to take out a new ship for its first voyage.”

#SST #SummerSeaTerm #STATEOFMAINE #TSSSOM #MaineMaritime #CareerGoals #HandsOnLearning #CareerPath