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Deck Officer Program

Interview with Capt. Mike Diduch on his education and career path

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares students for the challenge of operating commercial ships of unlimited tonnage on the Great Lakes and oceans as merchant marine officers and business professionals. 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. Deck Officers manage the deck department and 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 International Quality Standards. The four-year curriculum awards a Bachelor of Science Degree in Maritime Technology. For those entering with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated three-year program also awards the bachelor's degree.

Cadets in the Deck Officer Program complete three sea projects (internships) while completing their academic curriculum.

Articulation Agreements:

• Saint Clair County Community College

Deck Officer Curriculum Guides:

• Three-year color-coded curriculum guide (for ease of identifying types of courses)
  • This curriculum is available to those with a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Three-year Deck Officer Catalog
  • This curriculum is available to those with a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Four-year color-coded curriculum guide (for ease of identifying types of courses)
• Four-year Deck Officer Catalog

Deck Officer Program Requirements

Course Descriptions

Tuition and Fees