The Department of Maritime Transportation courses prepare students to ensure they meet all the requirements to hold a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s license of any gross tonnage upon oceans, steam, or motor vessels and issuance of International Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) endorsements. Earning a deck license means students will learn to navigate a vessel, handle cargo, and operate and maintain a variety of ship systems. Skills are learned through extensive theoretical education that is applied practically via navigation, seamanship, ship construction, ship handling, and stability training on campus in state-of-the-art ship simulators as well as aboard training vessels and commercial vessels. The Marine Transportation core also provides a broad maritime education to produce a well-trained and knowledgeable ship’s officer and combines studies in the humanities and sciences. 

Cadets are also provided with solid fundamentals in business topics related to the maritime industry, ashore and afloat. Cadets take courses which provide a broad understanding of management issues and specific skills required for critical thinking and decision making in business. These skills complement the maritime operations education and strengthen their performance as shipboard officers. Cadets gain a foundation in business administration allowing them to pursue shore-side opportunities in maritime business, logistics, and operations. 

The department also offers advanced elective courses in relevant subject areas. These courses can be grouped by cadets interested in pursuing an academic minor to gain a more in-depth exposure to a particular subject area. Students should contact their academic advisor for specific information and advice.

In addition to satisfying the institution’s higher education accreditation requirements, the department’s program must also comply with domestic and international laws and standards related to maritime education. The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), as amended, sets qualification standards for masters, officers, and watch-keeping personnel on seagoing merchant ships. The STCW Code and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations establish the standards that the U.S. Coast Guard uses to license U.S. Merchant Mariners. Courses earning USCG or STCW qualifications, sea-time, or STCW competency certification require a minimum grade of C (70%). In addition, all STCW proficiencies must be satisfactorily completed with a grade of 70% or better (See applicable course outlines available through the department).

Cadets who enroll in and apply to graduate in Marine Transportation must successfully complete the license examination for Third Mate to graduate from Texas A&M University.

• Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation

• Maritime Transportation (MART)
• Nautical Science (NAUT)

Maritime Transportation (MART)

Nautical Science (NAUT)