SUNY Maritime College: Training the Next Generation of Mariners
The school requires students to complete three summer sea terms totaling 360 days to qualify for a US Coast Guard license.
A Critical Shortage at Sea
The United States faces a pressing shortage of licensed mariners. Industry groups report approximately 8,000 open positions, including over 5,000 vacancies with the Military Sealift Command. This gap poses a significant challenge to national maritime readiness and supply chain stability.
High Demand, High Reward
The Military Sealift Command is offering substantial incentives to attract new mariners:
- Signing bonuses up to $54,000 for a three-year contract.
- Starting salaries exceeding $170,000 for certain roles.
For entry-level officers elsewhere, starting pay is not far behind, often exceeding $100,000 per year.
Curriculum & Commitment
SUNY Maritime College, one of six state-run maritime academies in the US, prepares cadets for careers at sea through a rigorous program:
- 18–24 credits per semester, blending traditional academic coursework with specialized Coast Guard licensing classes.
- Three summer sea terms totaling 360 days at sea—a prerequisite for the US Coast Guard license.
Global Context & New Initiatives
Some vessels operate in high-risk environments, including conflict zones such as the Persian Gulf. To address the mariner shortage, the Trump administration unveiled a Maritime Action Plan in February 2025, aiming to bolster the workforce.
Cadets combine 18-24 credits per semester with Coast Guard licensing classes, preparing for careers that can start above $100,000 annually.