Maine Maritime Academy

Dear Parents:

Given the increases in sea time and competency qualifications that went into effect with the entrance of the Class of 2017, it has become necessary to restructure the training cruise in order for students to meet their license requirements. The Summer 2015 Training Cruise will be lengthened to 90 days. Our 4th Class students will cruise for the entire 90 days. Our 2nd class students will cruise for 45 days; they will cruise one out of the two 45-day periods, with a change-out scheduled in New England in the middle of the 90-day cruise.

As we transition to this new 90-day / 45 + 45 model, the training ship will cruise with 2/C students for a 15-day training cruise in January 2015 and January 2016 in order to make sure those students can satisfy their sea-time requirements.

Students will meet the ship for the January Cruise on January 1, 2015 between 12 noon and 1600. The ship will get underway on or about January 4 and will return January 11 in time for students to attend spring semester classes..

As mentioned, there are more particulars to be finalized and we’ll be sending additional details over the next several weeks. Please review the following questions and answers, and ask any additional questions you have. Thank you for your patience as we continue to plan for, and implement, cruise restructuring.

CAPT Nathan Gandy
Commandant of Midshipmen
Maine Maritime Academy
207-326-2250

Questions & Answers

Why was the decision made to restructure the TSSOM training cruise, and who made the decision?

The decision was made in order to meet U.S. Coast Guard and STCW requirements for the Unlimited License programs within a four-year period for each student. A committee—comprised of administrators, ship’s company, and academic departments involved in the cruise—met several times to create the new solution.

What is the financial impact? Will families have to pay additional fees?
All sea time in 2015 has been accounted for in our current fee structure. No additional fees will be charged for the schedule change for this academic year.

Are we planning for a January cruise only through 2016?
This is an interim solution as we transition to the new 90-day model to be sure that we keep students on track with their academic plan and timeframe. The January plan is only required for the two classes that have completed a 4/C cruise that was less than 90 days. Once the class of 2017 completes their sea time requirements, there will be no need for the January cruise because the Class of 2018 will accumulate enough sea time by completing the 90-day 4/C Cruise, Cadet Shipping, and a 45-day 2/C Cruise.

The ship is deployed for 8 days for the January cruise, but it’s a 15-day cruise. How does that break down?
We are able to credit sea time for start-up and shut-down of ship operations, so the ship will be at sea for 8 days, and we will accrue 3 days for start-up and 4 days to shut down. Students will be able to assist in the shut-down process while attending Spring Semester classes.

What about 4th Class students living on the ship now, where will they live when the ship departs?
They will be required to move their gear into Curtis Hall storage at the completion of their last final before leaving campus for the December break. Room assignments will be given when students return from break.

More questions?
Students are encouraged to speak with their Company Officer for more information.