The Life of a Cadet
Leadership
The leadership program at the Maritime College has always been a distinguishing part of the college and a central element in supporting its mission. Over the years it has formed the basis for all student life programs. The leadership program for Degree/License students is described in the Organization, Operations, and Regulations Manual for the Regiment of Cadets and its supporting documentation.
Cadet Uniforms
Fourth-class cadets wear uniforms on the campus, except when leaving or returning from liberty or vacation periods; upperclass cadets generally wear their uniforms only during the school day. Khaki uniforms are worn during late spring, summer and early autumn, and blue uniforms are worn during late autumn, winter and early spring. There are comparable dress uniforms appropriate for these seasons also. Entering cadets are required to come to the college during June for a fitting, to insure that their uniforms will be available during the indoctrination period. Cadets are expected to wear their uniforms with pride and in strict accordance with the Rules and Regulations.
Liberty
During the academic year, liberty is normally granted each evening to First Class cadets, to Second Class cadets on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and to Third Class cadets on Thursday evenings. All cadets are normally granted weekend liberty from Friday afternoon at 1600 (4:00 PM) until 0730 (7:30 AM) the following Monday. All cadets stand watch on a rotating basis throughout the week and are not granted liberty while in a watch status. Special liberty may be granted for emergency and personal reasons. The granting of special liberty will be based on justification. Requests for a leave of absence for special reasons must be addressed to the President of the College, and submitted to the Commandant of Cadets.
Company Competitions
Competitive events between regimental companies take place throughout the year. Inter-company athletics including flag football, water polo, and racquetball; a variety of coed sports and regimental activities offer opportunities for friendly rivalry and sportsmanship. A ribbon is awarded annually to the outstanding company by the college President.
Cadet Saturday Work Program
All cadets, residential and special status, are required to spend one Saturday, each semester, working aboard the Training Ship. Work assignments familiarize cadets with the ship and with the routines that are experienced more fully during the Summer Sea Term. They are also intended to improve the material condition and habitability of the ship.
Regimental ActivitiesCadets attend a Regimental Activity Period on Tuesday afternoons. These activity periods are devoted to short courses on leadership, substance abuse awareness, watchstanding responsibilities, training ship orientation, Summer Sea Term preparation and overseas port introduction, seagoing traditions, world maritime outlook, and other topics that are relevant to the prospective Merchant Marine officer.
Regimental Excercises
Cadets attend a Regimental Activity Period on Tuesday afternoons. These activity periods are devoted to short courses on leadership, substance abuse awareness, watchstanding responsibilities, training ship orientation, Summer Sea Term preparation and overseas port introduction, seagoing traditions, world maritime outlook, and other topics that are relevant to the prospective Merchant Marine officer.
The Cadet's Day
During the academic year a cadet's normal weekday begins with breakfast at 0700, followed by morning formation at 0730 for muster, inspection, instruction, and the observation of morning colors. Classes are conducted from 0800 to 1550 (3:50 PM) with occasional evening classes available. A student with an 18 credit load can expect up to 24 hours of class per week including laboratory sessions. Lunch is served between 1000 and 1300 (1:00 PM) and students eat as their class schedule permits. Usually at least one of these lunch hours is free. From the end of the classes until dinner, served between 1730 (5:30 PM) and 1900 (7:00 PM), the cadet is encouraged to participate in the college intercollegiate athletic program, the intramural program, or any of the various extra curricular activities. The time from 1930 (7:30 PM) until 2230 (10:30 PM) is primarily reserved for quiet study, but may also be used for club activities and free time.
Regimental Handbook
The Maritime College Regimental Handbook describes the rules and regulations that Maritime cadets are expected to following, including residence hall, personal appearance and uniform, and other policies. Maritime College cadets receive and review this Handbook during the Indoctrination Period.
Maritime College Oath
In keeping with the high standards expected of a cadet preparing to be a Merchant Marine Officer, all cadets are expected and required to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the College. However, such a requirement is meaningless without an individual commitment by the cadet to observe these rules. Such a commitment embeds the cadet's subsequent actions in a foundation of personal integrity, honesty, honor, and personal courage. Therefore, at the conclusion of the new cadet indoctrination period, all cadets sign the Maritime College Oath:
"I will conduct my personal and professional behavior, on and off campus, in a manner which will bring credit to the Maritime College, myself, and the profession for which I am preparing.
I will observe those standards of honesty, integrity, moral courage and personal honor which are expected of all professionals associated with the Merchant Marine.
I agree to abide by the rules and regulations for the Regiment of Cadets of the Maritime College."
