"In Lieu of Cruise"
SUNY Maritime College
Cadet Observer Program
The Cadet Observer Program is an intricate, unique, and rigorous component to an already rich history of SUNY Maritime College’s maritime education. The program provides real-life maritime exposure to further prepare students for their USCG Third Mate’s, Engineer’s, or Limited license in a professional, industry-supported environment.
I. General Eligibility Requirements
• Cadet shall contact his/her Academic Chairperson to apply for “In Lieu of Cruise” Cadet Observer. (For Winter and Post-Cruise Cadet Observer Sessions, please contact Meredith Johansson, Cadet Observer Coordinator, COC, directly.)
• Cadet shall have successfully completed all course prerequisites as set forth by his/her Academic Department prior to shipping
• Cadet shall have met the minimum GPA as determined by his/her Academic Department
• Cadet shall have “in hand” his/her Merchant Marine Credentials (MMC)
• Cadet shall be in good regimental standing as determined by the Regimental Affairs Office.
II. Cadet Observer Application Document Requirements
• All billets aboard vessels shall go through the COC. Any time spent aboard a vessel without permission/approval from the COC will result in a “NO CREDIT” for the course.
• Once approved Academically and Regimentally, cadets shall receive a Cadet Observer Application Packet directly from the COC to prepare him/her for a billet aboard a vessel. In that packet, cadets shall receive and:
• Submit Cadet Information and Contact Sheet
• Submit Cadet Observer- and Vessel-Type Form
• Submit a hard and scanned copy of Passport
• Submit hard and scanned copy of MMC
• Submit hard and scanned copy of TWIC card
• Submit USCG Physical CG-719K
• Take a Benzene Test, if matched with a tanker vessel
Please note: Upon registering and paying for Cadet Observer, additional, “out-of-pocket” expenses may
occur during the Cadet Observer Application Process which may or may not be reimbursed by the host Shipping Company, most especially, when specific vessel-types are requested by the Cadet Observer Candidate. Additionally, cadets, once approved for the Program and upon signing the Cadet Observer Contract are obligated to fulfill his/her duties as a Junior Officer in training for that billet secured for you
by the Cadet Observer Coordinator in conjunction with the Assigned Company’s Cadet Coordinator.
III. At-Sea Requirements
• Cadet shall contact the COC upon boarding his/her assigned vessel
• Cadet shall obtain Discharge/Sea Service Papers and verbal permission from Master of vessel prior to disembarking
IV. Exit Requirements
• Cadet shall submit Sea Project (“In Lieu of Cruise” only) to his/her Academic Department. All Sea Project questions should be directed to your Academic Advisor.
• Cadet shall complete Exit Packet and return to Meredith Johansson, COC.
Questions? Please contact:
Meredith Johansson
Cadet Observer Coordinator
Work/Cell # 347-346-3453
mjohansson@sunymaritime.edu
