Marine Transportation is a program incorporating nautical science, marine operations and maritime shipping business management. It deals with the art and science of ship operations, navigating, and ship stability (load and discharge different types of cargo). The Program in Marine Transportation, being a dynamic program, its curriculum is organized, planned and periodically reviewed to comply with the latest industry standards to develop those skills and abilities that are necessary in pursuing a professional career at sea and as global maritime practitioners.

Introduction to the Maritime Transportation System (2 hours)

• What is the Merchant Marine?
• What is the Marine Transportation System?

 Introduction to Ship and Maritime Terminology (4 hours)

• Introduction
• Types of Ships purpose and function (categorize by function/type) (objective: identification)
• LNG/LPG
• Tankers
• Container
• S. Naval Ships/submarines
• Passenger vessels
• Dry-bulk
• Ro/Ro
• Heavy lift
• Tugboats
• Drill ships/jack-up/column stabilizer
• Offshore supply vessels
• Float-on/float-off
• (m)Push boat
• Ferries
• Research vessels
• Luxury yachts
• Barges
• Fishing vessels
• Coast Guard cutters
• Fire boats
• Ship Nomenclature (General)
• Basic Safety
• Ship Organization

Introduction to Marine Engineering and Shipbuilding Terminology (4 hours)

• Introduction
• Ship construction (Basic)
• Classification of Merchant Ships
• Propulsion overview (Types)

 Introduction to Shoreside and Seagoing Careers (4 hours)

• Introduction
• Seagoing Careers
• Shoreside Careers
• Service Profession

 Maritime History (World/US) (8 hours)

• Introduction
• World History (Origins/Importance of Free Trade)
• Historical Role of U.S. Maritime Industry
• Economic Role of U.S. Shipyards /Shipbuilding
• Economic Role of U.S. Merchant Marine
• National Defense Role of U.S. Merchant Marine

(Recommend visit to local Maritime Museum of Historic Vessel)

Overview of Shipbuilding and Repair Careers (4 hours)

• Introduction
• New Vessel Construction
• Ship Repair Operations
• Tug Barge Construction
• Recreational Boat Construction/Repair
• Offshore Drilling Industry
• Ship Engineering and Design

(Recommend visit to Shipyard) 

Specifics of Port Operation Careers (3 hours)

• Introduction
• Understanding Role of Port Operations
• Waterfront Operations (Loading/ Unloading Vessels)
• Distribution of Cargo (Arrival and Departure from Port)
• Homeland/Maritime Security
• Marine Logistics (Cargo Distribution)

(Recommend visit to Port)

Specifics of Maritime Support Operations Careers (4 hours)

• Introduction
• Ship Agencies
• Environmental Agencies/Services
• Marine Insurance
• Ship Chandlery
• Maritime Law
• Marine Survey & Classification
• Salvage
• Docking Assistance
• Pilotage Services

(Recommend 1 or 2 guest speakers or a panel of several to discuss careers)

Specifics of Shipping Careers (8 hours)

• Introduction to various areas
• Deep Sea
• Offshore Supply
• Brown Water (Tug/Barge)
• Great Lakes
• Inter coastal
• Recreational (Yachts/Cruise Ships)
• Energy Platforms
• Government Service (NOAA/MSC/USACE)

 Education Pathways to Maritime Careers (2 hours)

• Introduction
• Maritime/Service Academy’s
• Community Colleges
• Professional Institutions
• Registered Apprentice Program
• Military Service (Coast Guard/Navy/Army)
• Company/Labor Programs

 Maritime Career Progression (2 hours)

• Introduction
• Unlicensed
• Licensed
• Shoreside
• Government Service