A Study on the U.S. Maritime Education Methodology and Engagement Status for the Graduates from Maritime Colleges

미국의 해기사 교육제도와 취업현황에 관한 연구

This paper presents the educational methodology shipboard training methods of Maritime Colleges in U.S.A. and the fields of engagement in business of the graduates from them. There are two Maritime Academies, i.e. U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which are supported by federal government and six Maritime Colleges operated by each State. Maritime Administration (MARAD) in the Department of Transportation (DOT) supports the training of merchant marine officers and crew members with a focus on safety in U.S. waterborne commerce. The shipboard training methods are not unique, but have various process. One is continuous sea term training onboard during sophomore (100 days) and junior year (200 days) in case of USMMA, the other is summer sea term training onboard every three months during freshman, sophomore and junior years in case of SUNY Maritime College. They offer also one month ship simulator training ashore. The employment status for the 1999 year graduates from USMMA shows 43 percent in the field of maritime afloat, 34 percent of maritime ashore, 22 percent of active duty military and 1 percent of others.