This program prepares cadets for careers as USCG licensed ship deck officers. Cadets build a foundation to transfer into management and operations positions within the intermodal, transportation, and petroleum industries. Skills are learned through extensive theoretical education that is applied practically via navigation, seamanship, ship construction, ship handling, and stability. Cadets graduate with an ability to stand proper and safe navigational and deck watches at the Third Mate level per STCW requirements. Cadets train on campus in state-of-the-art ship simulators as well as aboard commercial vessels and Academy training vessels. Four sea terms are required and graduates must pass examinations conducted by the United States Coast Guard in order to qualify as third mate, steam, and motor vessels of unlimited tonnage on the oceans. Licensure also requires completing Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) requirements.