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Deck Officer Program
The Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares future merchant marine officers/business professionals for the challenge of operating commercial ships of unlimited tonnage on the Great Lakes and oceans. Deck officers train to become pilots and mates, navigating ships through open waters and narrow harbors - ships which may stretch to one thousand feet in length and displace thousands of tons. Deck Officers manage the deck department, oversee loading and discharging of cargo and are responsible for the ship’s business.
All qualified deck cadets write the U.S. Coast Guard examination for licensing as a Third Mate Great Lakes and any Oceans Unlimited Tonnage and First Class Great Lakes Pilot. Graduates are fully compliant with STCW '95 International Quality Standards. The four-year curriculum awards a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from our partner, Ferris State University, and an Associate’s degree in Maritime Technology from the Great Lakes Maritime Academy. For applicants entering with a Bachelor’s degree, a three-year Great Lakes Maritime Academy program is available.
Cadets in the Deck Officer Program complete three 92-day commercial sea projects while completing their academic curriculum.
Deck Officer Program Requirements »
Course Descriptions »
Graduation Requirements:
Academy cadets must meet all Great Lakes Maritime Academy/ Ferris State University graduation requirements, as listed in the curriculum catalog in effect when admitted. In addition, cadets must also meet the following:
- Achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 (76%) in all MDK, MNG and MNS Maritime courses.
- All sea projects must be successfully completed prior to writing the USCG license exam.
- Cadet must be in good standing as outlined in the Cadet Rules and Regulations.