Nautical Science Training & USCG Licensing At USC Sol Price School of Public Policy (USC Price)
Located in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and International Trade, the University of Southern California is one of the world’s leading private research universities. USC enrolls more international students than any other US university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad.
With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.
Through its interdisciplinary approach, USC Sol Price School of Public Policy educates students to serve as innovators and leaders in their field. The school’s degree programs draw on the expertise of faculty and practicing professionals to create a learning environment whose breadth and depth sets USC PRICE apart from all schools of its kind. In 2008, USC PRICE ranked seventh nationwide among "America's Best Graduate Schools" for public affairs, according to US News & World Report.
The Nautical Science Program at the University of Southern California (USC) offers an academic and experiential approach to navigation and seafaring onboard sailing ships. Classes and at-sea voyages focus on a variety of marine specialties including; advanced navigation, electronics, sailing theory and practice, aerodynamics of sail, hydrodynamics of hulls, and some admiralty law as applicable to piloting. The Nautical Science Program is certificated by the United States Coast Guard for license track students pursuing a Merchant Mariners Masters Credential.
University of Southern California is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The Nautical Science programs are approved by the US Coast Guard.
You may read our blog: Great Traditions of the Sea - At the University of Southern California
Training Programs
Nautical Science Programs
- Introduction to Seamanship and Navigation Crew Level (NAUT 301a): This level one introductory nautical science class is taught in the classroom and aboard ship. The course provides an introduction to the history, technology and basics of operating and navigating sailing vessels at sea. Lectures focus on vessel construction, nomenclature, hydrodynamics, aerodynamics of sail, safety at sea, charting, geometry, and oceanography as pertinent to navigation. Students will apply the concepts and skills learned in the classroom to the safe operation and navigation of a working sail training vessel during a 2-day overnight ocean voyage. No prerequisite.
- Advanced Seamanship and Navigation (NAUT 301b): This advanced nautical science class is taught in the classroom and aboard ship. Using the introductory skills acquired in NAUT 301A, students learn advanced navigation and charting skills required for night time sailing and piloting. Students also learn to operate small 2 person sailing craft. This on-the-water laboratory consists of four separate 5-hour sailing classes, encompassing advanced sail handling, vessel maneuverability and racing skills.
- Master’s Seamanship and Navigation, Level III - USCG Merchant Mariners Masters Credential Preparation Course (NAUT 302a): Maritime navigation, charting, piloting and electronic instrumentation are the primary focuses of this course. Students practice traditional navigation methods using a variety of techniques and tools to calculate positions on paper charts, many of these methods are still in use aboard ship today. This course is certificated by the United States Coast Guard for license track students pursuing a Merchant Mariners Masters Credential. Prerequisites - NAUT 301a and 301b
- Master’s Advanced Navigation & Seamanship, Level IV - USCG Merchant Mariners Masters Credential Preparation Course (NAUT 302b): This course is the culmination of four semesters of training, classroom work and sea time laboratories and is designed for advanced level students who wish to pursue a Merchant Mariner’s Masters Credential issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Successful students leave this accredited training course with the necessary skills and understanding to safety navigate a passenger vessel at sea under power or sail. Prerequisites - NAUT 301a and 301b
LAST UPDATED ON Sep 2, 2023