Orientation 2026
Sunday, August 16 - Friday, August 28
Families and cadet candidates should continue to monitor this page for official updates.
The Academy’s indoctrination program, known as “Orientation,” will be the most rewarding experience of your life. Designed to quickly transition you to a regimented lifestyle, this two-week program builds teamwork, camaraderie, self-discipline, and time-management skills while immersing you in a culture of maritime customs and traditions.
Cadet leaders, known as “cadre,” will challenge you mentally and physically to prepare you to succeed at the Academy. Orientation will be the most demanding experience you have at Massachusetts Maritime Academy including physical training, hands-on instruction and teambuilding activities but you will be supported as well. However, your new knowledge, attention to detail, resiliency, and bond with your shipmates will last long after Orientation Graduation.
All cadets will participate in the following sessions
- Basic firefighting
- Watchkeeping
- Water survival
- Sailing/rowing
Our cadet leaders will teach you the Academy’s
- History, customs and traditions
- Honor code
- Drill & Ceremony
- Discipline program
- Regimental Manual
Important Dates
All times are subject to change
New Incoming Students Orientation Day One / Check-In: Sunday, August 16, 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Upon arrival, cadet candidates and families should complete the following steps:
- Complete Admissions check-in.
- Drop off personal items in the residence halls.
- Report to the Athletic Stadium for the Opening Ceremony.
- At the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, Orientation will officially begin and guests will be asked to depart campus.
Orientation Mini Cruise: Tuesday, August 25 – Thursday, August 27
Orientation Graduation Day: Friday, August 28
- 8:00 am - 10:30 am: Family Orientation for Academic Success (information session with Q&A)
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Orientation Graduation Ceremony
- 1:00 pm: Liberty commences, to expire at 2:00pm on Tuesday, September 1 for all Freshmen
Cadet Recognition Ceremony: Sunday, September 27, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Orientation Mini Cruise
Tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 25 through Thursday, August 27, 2026. While we understand families may be eager to welcome their cadet candidates home, we respectfully ask that you do not come to campus on arrival day. Cadets will continue orientation training during the offload process and will not be available to leave until after Orientation Graduation.
The route includes departing Buzzards Bay, transiting through Long Island Sound to New York City, traveling through the East River, and returning to Buzzards Bay using the same route.
Important Information
Printable PDF of Issued Sea Bag Items
*The above Sea Bag Items list contains items that are issued by the Academy in the Sea Bag. Students will receive their Sea Bag during Orientation.
The below list is your packing list of items required for Orientation. Please bring only the items included on this list. Additional items should be left at home, as storage is limited and items not needed for Orientation may not be permitted.
For those traveling from greater distances, and Orientation is your only opportunity to bring academic year items, please pack and label academic year items separately and those items will be stored during Orientation. Academic year items may be moved in to the dorms after Orientation Graduation.
Orientation Packing List:
Clothing and Footwear
Athletic Shoes: Cadet Candidates must arrive wearing training/running sneakers. Sneakers should be a solid, subtle color such as white, light gray, or tan. Do not bring neon, bright-colored, or brand-new sneakers. Shoes should be reasonably broken in.
Socks: Bring at least 12 pairs of white mid-calf athletic socks and 2 pairs of black dress socks. Small logos are acceptable. Socks will not be washed during Orientation.
Undergarments and T-Shirts: Bring 3 pairs of new white underwear for the inspection locker, plus at least a two-week supply of neutral-colored underwear and white crew-neck T-shirts. Underwear, undershirts, and socks will not be washed during Orientation. Moisture-wicking fabrics are recommended. Compression shorts are allowed if shorter than PT shorts.
Bathing Suit: Males must bring plain, mostly navy or black swim shorts. Females must bring a mostly navy or black one-piece bathing suit and may also bring mostly navy or black swim shorts. All cadets may wear a swim top.
Shower Shoes: Flip-flops or waterproof sandals are recommended.
Robe (optional): Robes must be black, navy, or white and may only be used going to and from the shower.
Bedding, Towels, and Toiletries
Bedding: Bring 1 standard-sized pillow. (Sheets, pillowcases, and a heavy-weight blanket are included in the seabag)
Towels: Bring 4 white regular-size bath towels.
Toiletries: Bring all necessary toiletries, including disposable razors.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen will be available on campus, but cadets should bring their own if they require a specific brand.
Glasses/Contacts: Cadet Candidates who wear glasses should bring an extra pair, if available. Cadet Candidates who wear contacts must also bring glasses with their current prescription.
Suggested Items: Lint brush, talcum powder, and anti-chafing products.
Required Supplies
Office Supplies: Bring 1 pocket notebook, 2 black Sharpies, 2 silver Sharpies, and 3 black ink pens. Extras are recommended.
Shoe and Metal Polish: Bring 1 tin of black shoe polish, 1 rag, 1 shoe brush, and 1 can of Brasso for the belt buckle.
Laptop: A laptop is required for Orientation. Laptop specifications are available on the website under Resources for Accepted Students. Desktop computers are not allowed.
Room Items
Fans: Small desktop fans are allowed. Window-size fans are not permitted.
Iron/Ironing Board: Cadets are responsible for keeping their uniforms properly maintained and are required to have access to an iron and ironing board during Orientation and throughout the academic year. Cadets who are not traveling by air should bring an iron and a full size/standard ironing board with them to Orientation. Those traveling by air are not expected to transport an ironing board, but must arrange access upon arrival. Roommates may share these items as appropriate.
Contraband Bin: During the academic year, cadets are permitted to have one contraband bin, not to exceed 27 gallons. This bin should be brought to the Academy after Orientation, at the start of the school year. Out-of-state cadets who are not returning home between Orientation Graduation and the start of the semester may bring their contraband bin and additional academic-year items with them to Orientation. These items will be labeled and stored by company staff until the end of Orientation.
Cars: Cadet Candidates are permitted to park a car in the off campus parking lot called "Lot C" during Orientation. Cars must be moved after Orientation Graduation.
Cellular Devices: There is no personal phone access during Orientation. Any phone use that is needed will go through official channels, strictly for emergency/medical situations and /or to inform parents of a candidates' decision to drop from the program.
Jewelry: Jewelry is not permitted during Orientation, including nose/body piercings, watches, and makeup. Religious jewelry is allowed.
Mail: Mail is not allowed during Orientation but will be accepted afterward. For urgent items, such as glasses or medication, contact mailroom@maritime.edu or (508) 830-5105.
Money: Money is not needed during Orientation. Emergency prescription or medical visit costs may be provided and billed afterward.
Tobacco and Nicotine: Campus is 100% smoke, tobacco, and nicotine-free. Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, dip, e-cigarettes, Juuls, Zyn, vapes, and similar products are prohibited at all times.
Mini Fridges: Mini fridges are not permitted. Cadet Candidates with medication requiring refrigeration should contact Health Services before Orientation at healthservices@maritime.edu.
Mattress Pads/Toppers and Comforters: Mattress pads/toppers and comforters are not permitted during Orientation, but will be permitted afterward.
Cadet Candidates must complete assigned online training through Vector LMS before arriving for Orientation. Cadet Candidates will receive instructions by email and should check their Academy email regularly.
Follett Campus Bookstore Hours:
- Orientation Day One Hours: 8:00 am - 12:00pm
- Orientation Graduation Day Hours: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Pets on Campus
- Pets are not permitted on campus, with the exception of service animals.
Due to campus construction, parking will be limited.
- Parking is available for families on a first-come, first-served basis and is only permitted along Academy Drive during Check-In only, not Cadet Candidates attending Orientation.
- Families should plan accordingly and allow extra time for arrival, parking, and check-in.
Shuttle Service
- Shuttle service from Parking Lot C will be available during designated times on Orientation Day One, 7:00 am - 9:00 am and 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.
A livestream link may be provided for select Orientation events, if available. Additional details will be posted once confirmed.
This page will serve as the primary location for official Orientation updates, including schedule changes and important announcements.
Admissions
admissions@maritime.edu
Financial Aid
finaid@maritime.edu
Health Services
healthservices@maritime.edu
IT Services
servicedesk@maritime.edu
Student Accounts (Student Financial Services)
student_accounts@maritime.edu
Academic Accessibility Services
adacompliance@maritime.edu
Academic Resource Center
academic_resources@maritime.edu
Orientation/Regimental Questions
LCDR Wayne Magee (wmagee@maritime.edu) or call (508) 830-5118
Orientation FAQs
What does a typical day look like?
Early wake-up, PT, training blocks, meals, inspections, and lights out around 9:30pm.
Do Cadet Candidates need to review/study any of the “Cadet Candidate Knowledge” over the summer?
You do not need to study over the summer. A "Cadet Candidate Knowledge" handbook will be given to each cadet candidate on check-in day. It is a survival guide for everything you need to know to be successful as a basically trained cadet at the Academy. You will be taught the handbook's contents. There will be plenty of time to study it at orientation.
What are the Physical Fitness Requirements? Is there any suggested summer fitness?
Please review the following:
PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS FOR ORIENTATION
PHYSICAL FITNESS PROPER FORM
Can parents/guardians attend Orientation?
Orientation is cadet-only. Parents/guardians may attend Drop-Off and Graduation only.
What should parents/guardians do to support their cadet?
Encourage resilience, expect limited to no communication, and avoid sending unnecessary items.
Will my cadet have phone access?
There is no personal phone access during Orientation. Any phone use that is needed will go through official channels , strictly for emergency medical situations and/or to inform parents/guardians of candidates' decision to drop from the program.
How can I reach my cadet in an emergency?
Use the Academy’s emergency or Regimental contact numbers.
What happens if my cadet gets sick?
Health Services evaluates all concerns; parents/guardians are notified when appropriate.
Can I send letters or packages?
No mail and/or packages can be received during the Orientation, given it is a short intense training environment.
What's included in the Sea Bag?
See the following link for a full list of Sea Bag Items
What should we use to pack their items for move-in day?
Duffle Bag is preferred, no suitcases please.
Should clothing items be labeled?
Yes - please label all personal items
What are they permitted to wear to sleep in?
Cadet Candidates may wear appropriate sleepwear of their choice, such as pajamas, athletic shorts, t-shirts, or similar comfortable clothing. Sleepwear should be modest and suitable for a shared living environment. Keep in mind that Cadet Candidates may need to respond quickly to instructions or emergencies, so clothing should allow them to dress and report promptly if required.
What should they bring to shave during Orientation?
Razor and shaving cream. During the semester you can use an electric razor.
Should they arrive for Orientation with the proper haircut?
Cadet Candidates should arrive properly groomed. Barbers will be available on campus during check-in for cadet candidates whose hair is determined to be out of regulation.
Grooming standards are outlined in detail in the Regimental Manual, p. 153. To prepare for Orientation, it is important to understand the Academy’s expectations regarding grooming and personal appearance. All cadets must maintain a natural hair color and ensure their hair is neat, clean, and well-groomed. Hairstyles must not interfere with the proper wearing of uniform covers. Hair shall not touch the ears or collar and must present a neat, professional appearance at all times.
Male Cadets:
Hair must be clean-cut, tapered, and evenly trimmed. Hair on top shall not exceed one-eighth inch in length (clipper size #1). Hair shall not touch the ears.
Female Cadets:
Hair shall not fall below the lower edge of the back collar or extend more than two inches
beyond the front of the ears. Bangs must not fall into the line of sight. Long hair shall be secured in a bun, ponytail, or similar style that does not extend beyond the bottom edge of the collar. Hair must be neatly fastened or pinned.
Are there special considerations for out-of-state students?
If you reside out of state and will not be able to return home after Orientation Graduation to collect the items you will need for the remainder of the semester. You may bring all of your belongings with you on Orientation Check-In Day. We recommend that any items that can be easily purchased locally after Orientation Graduation be acquired at that time rather than brought during check-in. All items not required for Orientation will be collected from candidates upon arrival and securely stored until Orientation Graduation, at which time they will be returned for use during the academic year.
When will my student find out who their roommate is and what company they are in?
Most candidates will find out their roommates and company assignments on check-in day.
Are parents/guardians and families allowed in the dorms during Orientation move-in day, Orientation liberty, or the academic year?
Only during check-in day. All other times, parents/guardians, family and/or friends are not permitted to be in the dorms.
Athletes: What does my student do for Orientation check-in if they are coming early for sports practice?
The coaches will instruct your candidates on what they need to do and when to check into Orientation.
Athletes: for sports with additional gear, where do they store their gear?
All athletes will have time to drop off their gear in the locker room at the behest of their coaches.
Can my cadet leave on weekends?
Yes - if they stay out of trouble.
Can they come and go on campus during their liberty after Orientation Graduation to move in more items?
Yes
What is the difference between Orientation Graduation and the Recognition Ceremony? If I am out of state and can only attend one, which one should I attend?
Orientation Graduation marks the completion of phase 1 (basic training) of the training year at the Academy. The Recognition Ceremony celebrates the completion of phase 2 of the training cycle and indicates that the candidates have shown themselves proficient enough to be officially recognized as cadets at the Academy. Historically the Orientation Graduation is most attended by friends and family.
What day and time are they due back to campus after Orientation Graduation liberty?
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 2:00pm candidates are expected back on campus to start the academic year. You bring all items you need for your uniforms , academics, etc.