Home › United States › Florida › You are here

The College of Florida Keys (CFK) - Merchant Marine Education & Training

Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship Education, Training and USCG Licensing Online in Key West

florida keys community college

Since its establishment in 1965, The College of Florida Keys (CFK) (formerly Florida Keys Community College) has been proud to serve the diverse and changing educational and workforce needs in Monroe County. CFK, the southernmost college in the continental United States, has three locations throughout the Keys.

CFK offers a variety of academic, training, and enrichment opportunities. The most popular of which is the Associate in Arts degree, also known as the university transfer degree, which enables students to satisfy general studies coursework before transferring to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

An assortment of associate in science and certificate programs are available to prepare students for careers in a range of technical fields and professions.

Additionally, the college’s Office of Continuing Education and Workforce constantly offers non-credit courses, which include workforce training courses, lifelong learning, and recreational and leisure courses, in addition to providing an array of licensing and certification tests.

fkcc marine

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Programs

  • AS Degree in Marine Engineering, Management & Seamanship: This program is designed to prepare individuals for work in the Maritime Industry. Students will develop a wide range of skills, including maintaining and repairing mechanical, Electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in pleasure and commercial craft creating a well rounded Marine Technician or Professional Mariner ready to assume the role of Charter Boat Captain, Marine Technician, Marine Fabricator, Marine Electrician, Boat Builder, or Project Planner.
  • Certificate in Marine Technology: This program is designed for those students who want training in marine gasoline and diesel engines without immediately pursuing the Associate in Applied Science degree. The certificate attests to the completion of the courses outlined below. These courses may also apply to the AAS degree in Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship if a student later decides on that option.
  • Certificate in Welding: This program is designed for those students who want training in welding and fabrication without immediately pursuing the Associate in Applied Science degree. The courses may apply to the AAS degree in Marine Engineering, Management, and Seamanship, if a student later decides on that option.

Captains Licensing (Online)

Whether you are pursuing a professional career in commercial boating, or simply looking to enhance your knowledge, the college offers online Coast Guard Approved Captain’s Licensing Programs in Partnership with Mariners Learning System (MLS).

CFK Features

The College of Florida Keys is an open-access, educational institution dedicated to serving the intellectual, diverse, cultural, and occupational needs of the Florida Keys as well as the global community. The college is committed to student-centric academic programs and services, workforce development, continuing education, diverse partnerships, electronically delivered instruction, and sustainable practices that prepare students for personal success and responsible citizenship.

  • Campus: The main campus, located in Key West, is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The college also maintains a Middle Keys Center located in Marathon and an Upper Keys Center located in Tavernier, as well as a Virtual Campus to facilitate access to learning throughout the Keys and beyond.
  • Accreditation: The College of Florida Keys is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.
  • Marine Engineering, Management and Seamanship Center: This center houses one of the largest departments on campus, offering instruction in the repair of gas and diesel engines, welding and fiberglass boat building and repair.
  • Student Housing: The College of Florida Keys’s residence hall, Lagoon Landing, is a 100 bed facility offering suite-style living arrangements with fully-furnished four bedroom and five bedroom, two –bathroom units. The common living areas include an emergency telephone, as well as a kitchenette with a refrigerator, stove-top, and microwave.
  • Student Activities: A varied program of social and cultural activities is presented throughout the year. Campus activities include, but are not limited to, concerts, workshops, term kick-off events, and festivals. CFK is currently a member of the Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA).