Maritime College Announces The Summer Sea Term Voyage Of The Training Ship Empire State VII First Port Of Call; Charleston, SC

Maritime College Announces The Summer Sea Term Voyage Of The Training Ship Empire State VII First Port Of Call; Charleston, SC

This year, 500+ Cadets and Staff set sail on an unforgettable maritime journey and transformational leadership experience

Bronx, NY – May 18, 2026- Maritime College announced today that 500+ student cadets in the regimental program who are obtaining their U.S. Coast Guard license shipped out on an 8-week Summer Sea Term training program.  Cadets pursuing a U.S. Coast Guard license are required to complete seagoing experiences through Summer Sea Terms (SST) and/or Cadet Shipping (on commercial or government-owned civilian-crewed ships).  Both of these training experiences provide cadets with valuable hands-on learning on board a ship. Cadets must complete three seagoing experiences from the following options: 3 SSTs on the College Training Ship Empire State VII or 2 SSTs on the Empire State VII plus 1 Cadet Shipping experience (in lieu of 1 SST aboard the Training Ship).

The Empire State VII will be arriving at the Port of Charleston, at approximately 10:00, on Friday, May 22nd and will remain there until Monday, May 25.  There will be activities throughout the weekend on board the ship including an information session on Saturday morning at 10:00 for potential students and families, featuring a discussion with our Dean of Admissions, followed by a tour of the ship. On Sunday, May 24 the ship will be open to the public from 1-3 for tours, and will also be offering tours to alumni from 4-6. The Empire State VII will continue on its Summer Sea Term to Malaga, Spain, Belfast, Ireland, NYC/Sail 250 (at anchor), Albany, New York and will return to campus on July 16.

The Empire State VII, delivered in 2023, is a state of the art, purpose-built training ship. This National Security Multi-Mission Vessel — an entirely new design and class of vessel — was built specifically as a training platform and to respond to national disasters. In the past, the previous training ship Empire State VI and the other state maritime academy training ships assisted with relief efforts for hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Irma and Maria.

The President of Maritime College, RADM John Okon '91 said "Summer terms are the heart and soul of the Maritime College experience, and a crucial part to earning a U.S. Coast Guard license. SST provides unparalleled experiential learning through hands-on and practical applied learning, and associated classroom education. Students actively participate in ship operations, navigation, repair and maintenance, gaining valuable skills, knowledge and leadership. Maritime College is more than just an institution, it's the Peninsula of Opportunity and Engine of Upward Mobility. I know this first hand, I am a product of the institution, process and a proud Alumnus."

Across all of the College's programs and activities, the hallmark of a Maritime College education is learning by doing. This distinctive, hands-on approach attracts students who roll up their sleeves to prepare for personal and professional success through their studies, extracurriculars and job preparation.

About SUNY Maritime College

With more than a dozen undergraduate majors—including four ABET-accredited engineering programs, two master's degree options, and a renowned U.S. Coast Guard license program—Maritime College arms you with the skills to navigate, power, and operate the world's maritime industry. Beyond the classroom, Maritime fosters hands-on learning and leadership development with over 50 student clubs and organizations, 13 NCAA Division III teams, independent collegiate sports, and various programs, including the only Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program in New York City. The College's global alumni network offers unparalleled career connections and support.

Media Inquiries

Maritime College
pjones@sunymaritime.edu
(914) 525-8147