Engineering Officer Curriculum

Bachelor in Science - Business Administration
Ferris State University

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. Engineering officers are responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of engines and support machinery on board. The ship may be diesel powered and have multiple engines putting out thousands of horsepower or may be turbine powered, operating on high pressure steam. The Marine Engineer must understand these systems and keep them operating 24/7. Engineering Officers are also responsible for the Ships’ business as associated with the mechanical aspects of the vessel.

All qualified engineering cadets write the U.S. Coast Guard examination for licensing as a Third Assistant Engineer, Steam and Motor Vessels of any horsepower and DDE. Graduates are fully compliant with STCW '95 Certification. Marine engineers are also qualified to maintain land-based power plant facilities. In partnership with Ferris State University, the four-year curriculum awards a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

The 225-foot training vessel "State of Michigan" joined the Maritime Academy in August 2002 and provides an excellent hands-on experience for cadets. In the fall of 2003, the Academy moved into a spectacular new facility on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, in Traverse City, Michigan.

• Engineering Officer Curriculum Guide