About Great Lakes Maritime Academy

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy is more than just a college experience. As the State Maritime Academy of Michigan, our college educates and trains the finest Deck and Engineering officers available to the commercial shipping industry.

As you learn more about us, you will discover a professional environment based on pride and tradition. The Academy prepares future merchant marine officers/business professionals for the challenge of operating ships of unlimited tonnage. Our training ship, State of Michigan, is utilized daily as floating classroom and hands on learning environment. We set sail with our ship at various times throughout the academic year to reinforce the skills taught shore side. As cadets progress through the Academy, they learn our industry first hand by completing essential sea time aboard commercial ships of the Great Lakes and Oceans.

The Academy enjoys a unique relationship with our partner institution, Ferris State University. While classes are held in Traverse City, cadets simultaneously earn their maritime credentials and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. It has long been apparent this combination enables graduates to better compete for management level positions in any area of employment. We also offer a core maritime curriculum for those who enter the Academy with a Bachelor's Degree. Upon completion of all requirements, cadets are prepared to write the United States Coast Guard (USCG) examination for licensing as Third Mate Unlimited Tonnage Great Lakes and Oceans, First Class Great Lakes Pilot (Deck Officer) or Third Assistant Engineer, Steam or Motor Vessels of any Horsepower (Engineering Officer). Graduates are fully compliant with STCW '95 (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping).

Great Lakes Maritime Academy is proud of the quality training we have provided since 1969. Curricula range from seamanship, navigation and piloting to steam and diesel engineering together with 276 days of commercial sea time. Our alumni sail with the fleets of the Great Lakes and Oceans with many having reached the pinnacle of their professions as Captain or Chief Engineer. With 100% employment and exceptional salaries upon graduation, the time is now to consider a career as a professional mariner.

All Maritime cadets are required to abide by the Cadet Rules and Regulations. The Great Lakes Maritime Academy reserves the right to revise the program in accordance with industry needs and government agency requirements.

The Maritime Program is approved by the United States Maritime Administration, the United States Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Education and is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.