Regiment of Cadets
The Degree/License program is the core program at the Maritime College, and has been since the College's beginning in 1874. Students who chose to earn a Degree and a U.S. Coast Guard License (Degree/License program) pursue a degree in a maritime related field, receive professional training through academic course work and practical experience, participate in the Regiment of Cadets, and complete three Summer Sea Terms aboard the Training Ship Empire State VI (or equivalent Cadet Observer programs).
The license requirements of the Degree/License program are governed by a number of external regulations: the Merchant Marine Training and Education Act of 1980; United State Coast Guard regulations for obtaining a Merchant Marine Officer's license; the Maritime Administration's regulations for State Maritime Academies found in Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) promulgated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These regulations, and the Regimental system which supports them, accomplish three goals: to ensure thorough professional license training, through watch standing, ship familiarization, and training in emergency situations; to offer a leadership development program, not only through classroom experience but through the process of moving from follower to leader in the Regiment ashore and afloat; and to provide a framework for safely managing a large number of students at sea on the training ship. Students who have chosen to participate in the Regiment but not pursue a license participate in the aforementioned activities to the extent that is appropriate.
Degree/License students and any student wishing to participate in the Regimental program must satisfactorily complete a new cadet indoctrination program, which is offered prior to the beginning of each new semester. With few exceptions, all students entering the Degree/License program begin as Fourth Class cadets. Before going on their first Summer Sea Term, Degree/License students must participate as cadets in the regiment for at least one semester, meet all STCW training requirements, and fulfill certain academic requirements.
Life in the Regiment
Under the regulations of the Federal Government for the education, training and licensing of Merchant Marine officers, as based on both the Maritime Academy Act and the Maritime Training and Education Act, the student body at the Maritime College is organized into a Regiment of Cadets. The Regiment is a military style organization and is governed by a set of Rules and Regulations similar to that of the federal service academies. The Regiment is led by cadet officers assisted by professional personnel of the Commandant of Cadets Office. The college sets high standards for conduct, leadership, teamwork and personal appearance that are in keeping with the demands of the profession and the finest traditions of the sea going services.
The regimental system offers a vehicle for developing the leadership skills of the cadets, supports the professional training of the cadets, and provides a framework for safely managing a large number of cadets at sea on the training ship. The regimental system assists in developing the individual's potential through:
1. Discipline
2. Poise and confidence in one's abilities
3. Obedience and prompt response to instructions
4. Pride in oneself and one's profession
5. Knowledge of one's professional duties
6. An unyielding sense of duty
7. Military bearing and pride in one's personal appearance
8. Physical fitness and mental agility
9. An ability to work with other people
10. An understanding of positive leadership skills
11. An ability to perform well under variable and stressful conditions
The leadership development program begins with the arrival of the new cadet and culminates in the cadet's senior year. During the first year the entering cadet learns how to follow directions and work as part of a team. In subsequent years the cadet is given greater leadership responsibility and accountability. The goal of the leadership program is to develop leadership traits in the upper-class cadets that will enable them to inspire other cadets through positive motivation and to carry these skills into their careers upon graduation. In keeping with this objective, the regimental system assists in developing:
1. Concern and interest in the development of subordinates
2. The techniques of command
3. Sound experience in teaching and counseling
4. Professional knowledge and skill
During the senior year cadets may be selected as regimental cadet officers. They are responsible to the Commandant of Cadets for maintenance of internal discipline and administration of the daily routine of the Regiment of Cadets. During the Summer Sea Term, selected senior cadets serve as officers within the shipboard organization. Under supervision of ship's officers and staff, they take major responsibility for supervision of subordinate cadets for the ship's operation and maintenance, and for discipline and administration of the daily routine of the regiment.
