Overview

The Department of Marine Transportation offers two programs: Marine Transportation and Maritime Logistics & Security. These programs share a common nautical science and business core.

Nautical science courses prepare midshipmen specifically for their shipboard responsibilities and the USCG Third Mate’s license examination.  The Nautical Science core also provides broad marine-oriented education to produce a well-trained and informed ship’s officer. This program of study includes general as well as specific maritime subjects that familiarize midshipmen with the ship as a system, its equipment, and its operation. Midshipmen will study terrestrial and celestial navigation; the rules for collision avoidance; vessel stability and trim; marine materials handling aboard ship and in port; safety of life at sea; pollution control and prevention; marlinspike seamanship; meteorology; maritime communications; integrated electronic navigation systems such as radar, ARPA, and ECDIS; bridge resource management; and the various domestic and international rules and regulations that govern these activities.

Maritime business courses give midshipmen a broad understanding of management issues and specific skills required for critical thinking and decision making in business.  These skills complement the professional education of midshipmen and strengthen their performance as shipboard officers.  Midshipmen also gain a basic foundation in business administration allowing them to pursue shore-side opportunities in the maritime field following fulfillment of their seagoing obligation.   The curriculum recognizes that marine transportation is part of the total transportation system, which is crucial to both domestic and international commerce and the nation’s defense. Specific courses in the business core include Principles of Leadership, The Business of Shipping, Principles of Economics, Principles of Management, Marketing, Fundamentals of Business Law, Admiralty and International Law, Accounting and Finance, and Maritime Economics.

In addition, the department offers advanced elective courses in relevant subjects. These courses can be grouped to give midshipmen a more in-depth exposure to a particular subject area. Students interested in concentrating their electives should contact faculty advisors for specific information and advice.

In addition to satisfying traditional higher education accreditation requirements, the department’s programs must also comply with Federal guidelines and international standards related to maritime education.  The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, sets qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch- keeping personnel on seagoing merchant ships.  The STCW Code and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations establish the standards that the U.S. Coast Guard uses to license U.S. Merchant Mariners.

Facilities and Technology

The department's administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, and most of its laboratories are located in Bowditch Hall. These include navigation and electronics laboratories, a tanker loading simulator, and a computer work area. Our radar simulator laboratory features numerous ship models and has navigation aid capabilities with plotters and printers attached. Students interact with up to 50 contacts and maneuver through simulated environments utilizing radars and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPAs).

A seamanship laboratory is also maintained and operated by departmental faculty. The department provides hands-on training in ship operations utilizing the vessels and dockside facilities of the Waterfront Activities Department.

An important component of deck officer training involves the use of a ship's bridge simulator, located in Samuels Hall. This full task bridge simulator offers midshipmen the opportunity to practice bridge team management as well as vessel maneuvering under realistic conditions.