Annual Training Cruise: Training Ship State of Maine

Training cruises aboard a designated maritime academy ship are required for students enrolled in majors associated with an Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) license: Marine Engineering Operations, Marine Engineering Technology, Marine Systems Engineering (5-year), and Marine Transportation Operations. These at-sea voyages provide opportunities for students to experience shipboard life and hands-on training.

Due to safety concerns and travel restrictions related to COVID-19, Maine Maritime Academy’s traditional 2020 cruise activities have been cancelled. Instead, certain unlimited license students are participating in one of two unique cruise programs. As described below, the opportunities were limited based on a number of factors, thus participants are largely seniors who have met all other licensing requirements. While all students in the unlimited license program typically participate in a summer cruise or sail aboard commercial vessels between semesters, the constraints of COVID-19 prevented MMA from offering these opportunities to most students this summer.

On July 8, Maine Maritime Academy will begin a pier-side training evolution for graduating seniors aboard the Training Ship State of Maine. Known as a ‘fast cruise’ as the ship remains fast to the pier, this evolution is being made possible with the help of two Maine organizations: nonprofit biomedical research institute The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and Puritan Medical Products. Our partners are providing COVID-19 testing capabilities to ensure all participants are screened for the disease prior to participating in the fast cruise. Like their classmates aboard the TS Kennedy, students aboard the TSSOM will earn necessary sea time and complete credentialing competencies as required by the USCG.

Students aboard both vessels, the TSSOM and the TS Kennedy respectively, will be sharing their experiences via this blog. Updates will also be shared on our Facebook page.