Program Overview

Maine Maritime Academy is a public maritime college in Castine, Maine, offering career-focused education in engineering, transportation, science, and business. Students pursuing professional mariner licenses combine college academics with laboratories, simulators, leadership development, and practical training aboard ships.

Students in unlimited U.S. Coast Guard license programs participate in the Regiment of Midshipmen, a structured leadership program that develops discipline, teamwork, responsibility, and familiarity with shipboard life. Maine Maritime is not a military academy, and participation in the Regiment does not create a military service obligation after graduation. 

Education and Career Pathways

Marine Transportation Operations prepares students for the U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage license and careers as deck officers aboard commercial vessels. Engineering pathways include Marine Engineering Operations, Marine Engineering Technology, and the license track within Marine Systems Engineering, which can lead to the Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower license. The Academy also offers pathways connected to smaller commercial vessels and limited-tonnage licenses.

License-track students gain sea time through training cruises aboard the Academy’s training ship and assignments aboard operating commercial vessels. These experiences allow students to practice navigation, engineering operations, maintenance, safety procedures, watchstanding, and other professional responsibilities in a working shipboard environment. 

Program Information

Program Format

Four- and five-year degree pathways with classroom instruction, laboratories, simulators, regimental training, summer training cruises, and commercial sea experience.

Credentials

Bachelor’s degree and eligibility for a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate, Third Assistant Engineer, or limited-tonnage license, depending on the selected program and successful completion of all licensing requirements.

Who It Serves

Students seeking careers as licensed deck officers, marine engineers, commercial-vessel operators, maritime professionals, or shoreside industry leaders.

Admissions

Applicants complete the Academy’s undergraduate admissions process and must meet the academic requirements for their selected major. Students entering license programs must also meet applicable medical and physical standards. At-sea training may require documentation such as a passport, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and U.S. Coast Guard medical certificate.

1 Pleasant St Castine, ME 04420

207-326-2207

admissions@mma.edu

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Program information is provided as an educational resource and may change. Please contact the Academy directly for current admissions requirements, service obligations, academic options, costs, and program details.