Work as an officer aboard a passenger vessel, research vessel, merchant ship, a tug or barge, or a variety of other vessels through the two-year small vessel operations associate degree at Maine Maritime Academy. Through hands-on courses, labs, and field experience, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership roles operating and managing private and commercial vessels.

Learn from faculty who are known across the nation and the world for their expertise. These professional mariners share your passion for working on the water and will help you find your place in the maritime industry.

Ideal Location

Benefit from Maine Maritime’s coastal access in historic Castine, Maine. Maine Maritime’s campus location on the ocean gives you immediate access to the water to develop your small vessel operator proficiency and for recreation. Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the Appalachian Trail are located nearby for other outdoor adventures.

U.S. Coast Guard Vessel Operations License

Along with receiving an associate degree in small vessel operations, this two-year program also can lead to a U.S. Coast Guard mate 200-ton, near coastal license.

NECHE-Accredited

Maine Maritime is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a nonprofit, non-governmental membership organization. NECHE accreditation is the regionally recognized standard and is the mark of a strong academic program.

What Is Small Vessel Operations?

Small vessel operations is an important part of maritime traffic supervision and management. As a small vessel operator, you’ll be responsible for the operation and management of a variety of private and commercial vessels.

Why Study Small Vessel Operations at Maine Maritime Academy?

Maine Maritime graduates in small vessel operations are known in the maritime industry for being well trained, credentialed, and highly experienced. You’ll graduate with the skills valued by employers, such as the ability to problem-solve, think critically, use resources effectively, and behave ethically and professionally on the water.

Sea time and field experience

Prepare for maritime careers and complete the 120 sea days required for the 200-ton mate’s license through Maine Maritime’s exceptional laboratories, simulation, and a cooperative work experience. To accelerate your small vessel operator proficiency, you can choose a 60-day elective cruise after your freshman year.

Auxiliary Sail Concentration

If you’re looking for traditional and modern sailing opportunities, Maine Maritime offers an auxiliary sail concentration. Through qualifying sea time under sail and passing a sail examination, you can add an auxiliary sail endorsement to your small vessel license.

Regiment of Midshipmen

While you’re not required to participate in the Maine Maritime Regiment of Midshipmen, you may opt into this uniformed student body to further build on your teamwork and leadership skills, gain confidence, and make friendships that will last a lifetime.

What Can You Do With a Small Vessel Operations Degree?

The small vessel operations degree at Maine Maritime can lead to careers as an officer aboard a tug or barge, a harbor pilot vessel, a U.S. Coast Guard or Navy vessel, tall ship, small passenger vessel, ferry, charter vessel, or yacht. Through additional training and sea time you could also work aboard merchant ships and supply and dynamic positioning vessels.

Explore Classes for the Small Vessel Operations Degree

The small vessel operations courses are the same as the first two years of the vessel operations and technology program at Maine Maritime. This rigorous curriculum includes courses in nautical science, vessel operations, small craft technology and construction, terrestrial navigation, meteorology, and more. You’ll further develop communication and other skills valued in the maritime industry through courses in the arts and sciences.

View all courses for the small vessel operations degree.

Please note: once you complete the SVO curriculum, you can choose to continue study for two years and earn the Vessel Operations and Technology (VOT) degree. Four additional academic semesters plus two additional cooperative work experiences and the VOT training cruise lead to a Bachelor of Science degree.