Office of Marine Programs | Cal Poly Maritime
Discover Real-World Training at Sea
The Office of Marine Programs is at the core of Cal Maritime’s distinctive, hands-on education-setting the course for cadet success through immersive, real-world maritime training. This dynamic department oversees Waterfront Operations, Training Ship Golden Bear, and the Commercial Sea Term, ensuring cadets in licensed programs are exceptionally prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the maritime industry.
Waterfront and Maritime Operations
From your very first day, you’ll step into an unparalleled learning environment at Cal Maritime’s historic Boathouse and Marina. Here, cadets train on a wide range of vessels, from traditional rowboats to modern workboats, tugboats, and T-boats. Our small boat handling program is regarded as one of the finest in the nation, giving students a strong foundation in seamanship and vessel operations.
Throughout the academic year, the Maritime Operations Department offers specialized training in water safety, shipboard operations, vessel maintenance, and maritime management. You’ll progress through our fleet, starting with double-ended rowboats and advancing to more complex vessels, all while building confidence and competency on the water.
Training Ship Golden Bear
At the heart of your maritime education is Training Ship Golden Bear-a 500-foot floating classroom docked right in Cal Maritime’s front yard. Every cadet trains aboard Golden Bear during the academic year, applying classroom theory to real-world maritime systems while developing leadership within the Corps of Cadets.
Each summer, first- and third-year cadets embark on a two-month Summer Sea Term aboard the Golden Bear. Led by ship crew, licensed faculty and industry professionals, this voyage is an immersive experience in navigation, engineering, operations, and leadership. Cadets also complete the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman certification, passing both written and practical exams.
The ship features a multi-million-dollar Navigation Laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art systems-making the Golden Bear one of the premier navigation training platforms in the country.
More than a training cruise, the Summer Sea Term is a journey of professional growth and global awareness. As cadets visit international ports, they engage with other cultures and develop the cross-cultural competence essential in today’s maritime world.
Commercial Sea Term
In your second year, you’ll take your training to the next level by joining a commercial vessel through the Commercial Sea Term. This is your first professional immersion into the maritime industry-working shoulder-to-shoulder with licensed mariners, gaining insight into real-world operations, and navigating the complexities of global shipping.
From bridge operations and cargo handling to engine room systems, you’ll see your classroom knowledge come alive in a commercial context. It’s a rare opportunity to refine your skills, demonstrate your readiness, and build career-shaping industry connections.
Launch Your Maritime Career
Whether it’s through small boat training, global sea voyages, or commercial shipping experience, the Office of Marine Programs equips you with the technical expertise, leadership skills, and global perspective that define a Cal Maritime graduate.
Contact Us: 707-654-1192
Your journey begins here
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