The Texas Maritime Academy provides an opportunity for you to learn how to operate and maintain an ocean-going vessel. In addition to classroom and field training during the regular school year, you will sail aboard the TEXAS CLIPPER, the Academy training ship, during three summer cruises to gain practical experience in seamanship, navigation, and engineering operations. At the conclusion of the program, you will be examined to become licensed in the Merchant Marine as a deck or engineering officer and may seek employment in the exciting field of marine transportation.

The Maritime License Option Program:

The Corps is a learning laboratory for leadership, management and self-discipline. Cadets are organized into a paramilitary unit with muster, watch standing, shoreside training, small boat handling, and ship maintenance duties. Cadets must also complete training in marine firefighting, first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques. Cadets majoring in Marine Biology, Marine Sciences, and Marine Transportation may seek a Third Mate's License (Oceans Unlimited). Cadets in Marine Engineering Technology may seek a Third Assistant Engineer's License (Steam and/or Motor Vessels, Unlimited). Note: All Marine Transportation majors must participate in the Corps.  top

Cruises:

The Texas Maritime Academy is one of five seacoast maritime academies in the U.S. preparing you for licensing as an officer in the American Merchant Marine. If you are pursuing a Third Mate's (deck) license you may choose to study Marine Transportation, Marine Biology or Marine Sciences. A Third Assistant Engineer's license is available to you if you are studying Marine Engineering Technology.
During three summer training cruises, you serve as a crewmember aboard the oceangoing Texas Clipper. Upon graduation, if qualified, you may opt to serve as an officer in the Merchant Marine Reserve, the U.S. Naval Reserve or the U.S. Coast Guard reserve. Each training cruise is a progressive step to becoming a proficient Merchant Mariner. top

Engineering Program:

The Marine Engineering Technology curriculum is an inter-disciplinary program based on a thermal power-oriented specialization in classical Mechanical Engineering, with additional courses in electrical power and naval architecture.  Theoretical knowledge is reinforced though practical application in labs and through direct operation of marine machinery aboard the University's training ship.  The program prepares students for careers as engineering officers aboard merchant ships, as well as careers in shipyards, building, inspecting, and repairing vessels.  In addition to shipping, graduates can work in many other fields, including: offshore exploration and development, petroleum production and refining, power plant operations, construction, and repair, and facilities engineering at institutions such as hospitals and universities.  License Option Students will take the United States Coast Guard license examination for, and obtain a license as, a Third Assistant Engineer (engine officer) in the United States M
rchant Marine.  These students must participate in the Corps of Cadets and complete specialized training in first aid, CPR, and marine fire fighting.  While enrolled they must take three summer cruises aboard the Maritime Academy’s training ship. top

Deck Program:

The curriculum stresses seamanship, navigation, ship handling and cargo loading.  Graduates must pass the United States Coast Guard license examination as a third mate (deck officer) in the United States Merchant Marine.  These careers as officers aboard seagoing vessels often lead to management careers in maritime industries ashore.  Students must participate in the Corps of Cadets while enrolled and they must take three summer cruises aboard the Maritime Academy’s training ship. top