KINGS POINT, N.Y., July 17, 2018 - This year, for the first time, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Department of Marine Transportation teamed up with the USMMA's Regimental Staff to introduce the Class of 2022, to the Integrated Navigation Lab as part of Indoctrination. Captain Ann Sanborn, Master Mariner, provided a brief overview of simulator components and described the integrated navigation course. Afterward, the candidates were given an opportunity to use the simulator during a brief exercise.

The simulation allowed each candidate to steer a small U. S. Coast Guard vessel from the Port of Miami, through the channel, and around a grounded containership.  They also encountered sudden changes in Miami weather, including a quick moving thunderstorm. Commander Matthew Bonvento, USMS, from the Department of Marine Transportation stated, “this exercise is a great introduction to some of the situations that a plebe choosing the Deck curriculum will get to experience.”

The Department of Marine Transportation, led by Captain David Moskoff, Master Mariner, added, "We were very pleased to be part of Indoctrination. We are proud to introduce the plebe candidates, not only to the simulator, but also to the Deck major and to some of our most valued senior instructors and staff." 

Click  Professional Mariners Introduce Plebe Candidates to Simulation to see more photos.