Scholarship Opportunities

Sea Term Scholarship Spotlight

Sea Term is an important aspect of MMA’s “Learn-Do-Learn” philosophy.  Due to space constraints on the TS Kennedy, most spaces are saved for our licensed track students (non-license students participate in experiential learning opportunities during their time at MMA which may take them to places across the world as exotic as those on a typical sea term).  A large majority of 2/C cadets fulfill their Second Class Sea Term on commercial vessels of the US Merchant Marine.

Sea Term is January through February, between the two academic semesters. Cadets return to campus soon after the New Year holiday, and prepare the ship to sail, including loading provisions in the freezers and dry stores spaces. In the past ten years the cadets have visited Barbados, Curacao, Aruba, Spain, Italy, Tenerife, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, England, Madeira, Greece, Cayman Islands, Martinique and Tortola, not to mention US ports like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans and Charleston.  The voyage lasts 52 days on average, and during that time a cadet will rotate through class and laboratory training at sea, ships operations (including deck and engine watches), maintenance, and emergency drills. Port visits offer a time to explore new cultures and relax with friends, but still include watch responsibilities and ship's maintenance.

Sea Term is an additional financial burden that is not included in MMA’s tuition, and as a result is not covered by federal financial aid.  Sea Term scholarships that assist cadets with the $4,000 cost of Sea Term, are extremely beneficial for cadets who might otherwise be unable to afford the expense.  The Academy is very fortunate to have donors who sponsor Sea Term scholarships.  The following is a list of current MMA Sea Term Scholarships:

• Admiral Willam J. Flanagan '64, H'96 Sea Term Scholarship
• Class of 1963 Sea Term Scholarship
• Alex B. Haas Sea Term Scholarship
• Class of 1964 Sea Term Scholarship
• Association of Ship Brokers & Agents Sea Term Scholarship
• Lawrence A. & Maude E. Pande Sea Term Scholarship
• Class of 1949 Sea Term Scholarship
• MMA Alumni Association Sea Term Scholarship
• Class of 1959 Sea Term Scholarship
• MMAPA Adm Bresnahan Winter Term Scholarship Fund
• Class of 1961 Sea Term Scholarship
• Felipe M. Paes Memorial Scholarship

For a glimpse into the Sea Term experience, follow the voyage online. 

If you are interested in sponsoring a Named Sea Term Scholarship, please contact Linda Noonan at lnoonan@maritime.edu or (508)830-5099.