Frequently Asked Questions

May 8, 2023

The information provided in the FAQs below is based on currently available information. It is subject to change with little notice due to factors beyond the control of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

Updates related to the Summer Sea Term are released on Thursdays when applicable. Follow the Texas A&M Maritime Academy at @texasmaritime for update notifications.

Pre-Embarkation

What are the required documents for pre-embarkation processing?

Required documents for pre-embarkation are:

TWIC
Merchant Mariner Credential
Medical Certificate
Passport
Student ID Card

Where do cadets purchase their overalls?

The Texas A&M University at Galveston Campus Bookstore.

Address:
1001 Texas Clipper Rd.
Galveston, Texas 77554
409-740-4488
Website

Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Based on feedback from cadets, we recommend purchasing two pairs.

What are cadets required to have in their seabags?

The Cadet Ship Operations Manual contains complete information on seabag, packing and uniform requirements. This will be updated soon for the 2023 SST.

A packing list is also available to aid in preparation.

My syllabus contains items not listed under seabag requirements. Do I still need to have these items?

Yes. The syllabus lists items required for a specific class that all cadets may not be taking. The seabag is a listing of items all cadets are required to have.

Where can cadets on Summer Sea Term store their on-campus belongings?

Personal belongings are not able to be stored on campus. Campus residence halls are used by various summer camps and programs throughout the summer and our staff performs extensive maintenance and cleaning during breaks in use. Cadets often take their belongings home or use off-campus storage facilities in Galveston or the surrounding areas.

Will there be public access at the ship dock?

At this time, we are planning for public dock access before embarking. However, this is subject to change with limited notice. Plan to be flexible. More details on all SST events are available on the events page.

Is on-campus parking available for students while on Sea Term?

Summer Sea Term 2023 parking will is available in Lot N305 area outlined in RED on campus map below.

Please complete the parking survey sent to you by email.

All vehicles parking in this area are required to have valid hang tags or paper permits.

Summer Sea Term 2023 vehicles parked in the designated area on map below between Aug. 1, 2023 and Aug. 31, 2023 will not be ticketed for an expired 2022-2023 hang tag.

Please contact Pat Hebert at 409-740-4926 or Anita Palfrey at 409-741-7137 with any questions.

What are the move-in arrangements for cadets?

Residence halls for returning cadets will be available per Campus Living & Learning move-in dates and times. All cadets returning for the Fall semester may check in to the residence hall upon completion of SST on August 8th. Cadets will not be able to stay (unless they are involved in a university capacity for O-Week, Howdy Week, etc.) and will be able to officially return during General Move-In starting on August 18^th.

Move-in questions should be directed to Campus Living & Learning and the Office of the Commandant.

Campus Living & Learning:

Office Location:
Pacific Residence Hall
Bldg. 3031, Office Suite 5110
Phone: 409.740.4445
E-mail: cll@tamug.edu

I'm arriving prior to embarkation. Is housing available on campus?

No. Campus housing will be unavailable and accommodations will need to be made individually.

Underway Section

Underway

What kind of connectivity will cadets have?: What kind of connectivity will cadets have?
Cellular service will be sporadic while underway. Cadets may be reached only in the event of an emergency by contacting Texas A&M University at Galveston Campus Police Department.

Campus Police:
Front Office:
(409) 740-4545
Officer on duty/after hours/weekends/holidays:
(409) 740-4545 or cell phone: 409-771-5185
Police@tamug.edu
Will civilians be able to contact cadets aboard the ship via mail or letters?: Will civilians be able to contact cadets aboard the ship via mail or letters?
No mail or packages will be accepted by the Maritime Academy for delivery to the ship during Summer Sea Term.
How can cadets be contacted in case of an emergency?: How can cadets be contacted in case of an emergency?
Contact the Texas A&M-Galveston Campus Police Department in the event of an emergency. Campus police will notify the ship’s designated shore-side contact who will coordinate communication with the ship. Please keep in mind that communication will take time due to technical limitations while underway.

Campus Police:
Front Office:
(409) 740-4545
Officer on duty/after hours/weekends/holidays:
(409) 740-4545 or cell phone: 409-771-5185
Police@tamug.edu
Will there be a ship store?: Will there be a ship store?
Yes, there will be a ship store with items from food to personal hygiene to purchase with cash only.
How are liberty allowances handled?: How are liberty allowances handled?
Liberty allowances are determined at the sole discretion of the Captain.

Emergencies Section

Emergencies

How do I report or submit a complaint while underway?: How do I report or submit a complaint while underway?
General Concerns/Complaints:
Concerns should be made in writing to the Captain aboard the ship.

Academics:
Students should address concerns or complaints related to academics with their Department Head. Assistance from the ship counselor is available to aid in helping students determine the best way to approach their Department Head with a concern.

Civil Rights and Equity Investigations:
We are committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning environment on campus and while at-sea. Civil Rights and Equity Investigations reports or complaints may be made to any university official while underway. All A&M-Galveston faculty and staff are required to promptly report all known information about the incident to:

Jennifer Smith
Assistant Vice President and Title IX Officer
Email: civilrights@tamu.edu
Tel: 979.458.8167

TAMMA SASH Prevention & Response SASHPR aboard Training Ship (EMBARC Compliant)

TS SASHPR Appendix

All Other:
Concerns or issues not specifically identified above may be addressed to any university administrator and/or the counselor.
There was an incident aboard the ship. How will the safety and security of cadets and staff be communicated?: There was an incident aboard the ship. How will the safety and security of cadets and staff be communicated?
In the event of an incident aboard the ship, the university will provide information through the SST website and Texas A&M Maritime Academy social media channels. If individual cadets are affected the university will contact the students’ emergency contact via information provided in the Howdy Portal. Expanded communication beyond the means listed above will be determined by the nature of the incident.
There is bad weather forecasted along the ship route. What are the ship's protocols and where can I find more information?: There is bad weather forecasted along the ship route. What are the ship's protocols and where can I find more information?
The ship is fully connected to the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration and international weather sources. While the route most often can be adjusted to avoid inclement weather, the ship is fully equipped to tackle the roughest weather conditions. Any weather deviations are at the sole discretion of the Captain in consultation with shore-side meteorologists and the campus.
How do cadets handle medical emergencies?: How do cadets handle medical emergencies?
A limited-capability hospital facility with a doctor is aboard. Should a person aboard need extended care off-board they will be transported to the nearest shore-side facility and accompanied through the duration of their care by a university staff member.
What is the Medical History Form for?: What is the Medical History Form for?
Cadets should submit a Medical History Form annually. This form will be kept in the ship's hospital for reference in case a cadet is unable to provide medical information in case of an emergency. All information is confidential per FERPA or HIPAA and will only be disclosed as laws permit.

Ports Section

Ports

What are the ports of call this year?: What are the ports of call this year?
Willemstad, Curacao

Tampa, Florida

San Juan, Puerto Rico

New Orleans, Louisiana

While we are confident in our scheduled stops, there is always a possibility that these locations will change due to variables beyond the control of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Plan to be flexible.

Dining Sections

Dining Services

What meals will be served during SST?: What meals will be served during SST?
Traditional ship-board meal service will be served including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and midnight rations. Menus have been developed in conjunction with the food service sea term committee and utilizing menu survey responses.
How are food allergies and/or dietary restrictions being handled?: How are food allergies and/or dietary restrictions being handled?
Please notify Texas A&M-Galveston Dining Services at 409.740.4590 prior to SST to allow ample time to modify dining options if necessary.

Communications Section

Communications

Where can I get official information regarding Summer Sea Term?: Where can I get official information regarding Summer Sea Term?
Official information on SST is available on this website and through our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. Additionally, cadets receive information through their university email account and during ZOPT briefings.

Follow us on @texasmaritime and don't forget to tag us in your SST photos/videos.
Is there a recording of the SST Forum?: Is there a recording of the SST Forum?
How can media get more information about SST?: How can media get more information about SST?
Media may contact Rebecca Watts, Marketing & Communications Director via email at rwatts@tamug.edu.
Will there be livestreams from the ship?: Will there be livestreams from the ship?
Livestreams will be offered based on connectivity and resources. When possible, livestreams will be available on the Texas A&M Maritime Academy Facebook, Instagram and YouTube social media accounts.

Follow us on @texasmaritime and don't forget to tag us in your SST photos/videos.
Where can I see photos from Summer Sea Term?: Where can I see photos from Summer Sea Term?
The SST Flickr albums are available here and will be updated to reflect the current SST once sailing is underway. Media and social media sharing should credit Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

End of Sea Term Section

End of Sea Term

When will cadets have access to on-campus housing?: When will cadets have access to on-campus housing?
Cadets will follow all traditional move-in protocols and processes. For questions regarding move-in, please contact Campus Living & Learning.

Campus Living & Learning
Office Location:
Pacific Residence Hall
Bldg. 3031, Office Suite 5110
Phone: 409.740.4445
E-mail: cll@tamug.edu
Will cadets be starting the fall semester late?: Will cadets be starting the fall semester late?
No.
Is there an extended add/drop date for cadets on cruise?: Is there an extended add/drop date for cadets on cruise?
No. Based on the current schedule the Fall semester will not be impacted.

Cost Section

Cost

How much does Texas A&M Maritime Academy cost and how does it compare with other state academies?: How much does Texas A&M Maritime Academy cost and how does it compare with other state academies?
Summer Sea Term Financial Aid FAQs

Summer Sea Term Financial Briefing Slideshow

Summer Sea Term Financial Briefing Presentation: