Navigate the Seas. Command Your Career.
The Maritime Transportation associate degree delivers U.S. Coast Guard–approved instruction and internationally recognized STCW training, paired with academic coursework to train professional mariners. Students gain practical skills aboard vessels, working from entry-level deckhand roles to Unlimited Tonnage Masters. With a curriculum designed by mariners and licensure in mind, graduates are prepared for rewarding careers at sea and in port operations.
Career Opportunities and Income
Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.
Learning & Career Pathway
This learning pathway - a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees - includes the following awards. You can start at any point on the path and earn certificates on your way to completing the degree.
- Maritime Transportation, Occupational Certificate (1 year)
- Maritime Transportation, Certificate of Technology (1.5 years)
- Maritime Transportation, Associate of Applied Science Degree (2 years)
Learning Outcomes and Career Skills
A student completing the last award in the pathway will be able to:
- Differentiate various cargo operations.
- Utilize different types of navigational aids including their features, key applications, and operational characteristics.
- Perform basic safety and survival techniques according to United States Coast Guard assessment requirements.
- Demonstrate proficiency in seamanship skills including line handling, knot tying, and splicing.
- Communicate using vessel and maritime terminology.
Licensure or Certification
Students who complete the Maritime program can apply for the Merchant Mariner Credential.
Some requirements in the Maritime Transportation certificates and degrees are set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) for licensing and certification. These include hands-on performance assessments—such as the six-minute radar plotting assessment and life-raft boarding—as well as several USCG-approved written examinations. Because these assessments are governed by federal maritime regulations (Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (46 CFR)), they must be completed exactly as prescribed. The USCG does not permit disability-related accommodations that would change how a required skill, task, or examination is performed.
External Learning Experiences
This program includes external learning experiences outside of the classroom, e.g., an internship, externship, clinical, practicum, or cooperative learning experience. Those experiences are typically on-site at a business or organization.
All students participating in external learning experiences are required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the external learning sites. Some learning sites outside the college have their own vaccination requirements. These rules come from those facilities and are not mandated from the college. Failure to meet those immunization requirements may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and/or may delay the student’s graduation date. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions, and students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the external learning site.
Locations
College Admission
San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.
Program Admission
In addition to being admitted to the College, students must also be admitted to the Maritime program which has additional requirements and/or steps.
Students interested in pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in Maritime Transportation must follow the College's admissions guidelines and attend an information session prior to registering for maritime courses. It is important to note that all students must complete internships on commercial vessels to complete the program and graduate. This may require students to live aboard vessels for extended periods. Students and graduates of the Maritime program who apply for a US Coast Guard credential and/or license must meet professional requirements that include drug testing.
In accordance with Texas House Bill 1508, the College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the Director of the Maritime Credit Program.
Application information: Merchant Mariner Credential
Employers often have additional requirements and stricter standards. Medical standards: Merchant Mariner Medical Manual
For more information, students may contact Maritime Center staff sanjacinto.maritime@sjcd.edu or call 281-459-5483.
Plan of Study
3MARITIME
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Term | Credits | |
| NAUT 1305 | Introduction to Ships and Shipping | 3 |
| NAUT 1315 | Basic Safety | 3 |
| NAUT 1320 | Seamanship I | 3 |
| PHED 1142 | Fitness Swimming | 1 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Term | ||
| NAUT 1230 | Marine Engineering Familiarization | 2 |
| NAUT 1345 | Marine Cargo Operations | 3 |
| NAUT 2310 | Seamanship II | 3 |
| Mathematics 1 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Summer Year One Term | ||
| NAUT 2364 | Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Term | ||
| NAUT 2415 | Terrestrial Navigation | 4 |
| NAUT 1255 | Maritime Law and Regulations | 2 |
| NAUT 2205 | Basic Stability and Vessel Construction | 2 |
| ENGL 2311 | Technical and Business Writing | 3 |
| SPCH 1311 | Introduction to Speech Communication 3 | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Term | ||
| NAUT 2330 | Radar Observer Unlimited | 3 |
| NAUT 2301 | Able Bodied Seaman and Lifeboatman | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| NAUT 2475 | Master 100 ton | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Summer Year Two Term | ||
| NAUT 2365 | Practicum 2 | 3 |
| Credits | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Capstone Experience: NAUT 2365 Practicum
- 1
Students who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree should take MATH 1314.
- 2
Practicums are internships on commercial vessels offered during the Post Yr1 and Post Yr2 summer terms of the program.
- 3
SPCH 1311 is preferred; SPCH 1315, 1318, or 1321 will also be accepted.