Top Maritime, Merchant Marine and Maritime Law Programs in the United States

Best Maritime & Merchant Marine Degree & Professional Training Programs and Admiralty / Maritime, Law Programs in the U.S.

Maritime trade is a crucial and strategic part of the global economy with significant implications for global economic growth, Security and stability. The majority (70%) of the world's goods are transported by sea, and the maritime industry includes the transport of goods and services as well as people, oil & gas, scientific research, military, leisure and other allied sectors and subsectors.. The industry accounts for over 80% of global oil and gas production and is one of the largest employers in comparison to any other and needless to say one of the important one. 

Who are Merchant Mariners?

Merchant Mariners are civilian mariners and is the main workforce for merchant vessels owned and operated by various companies in the United States. Merchant mariners operate and maintain the vessels that carry goods and people and ply inland waterways and across the oceans, for trade and commerce, exploration, leisure, and other maritime activities. A typical vessel employs following personnel:

Deck Careers

• Ordinary Seaman (Apprenticeship) - includes Wiper, Stewards & Cooks
• Able Seaman - Cooks, Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV), Special & Unlimited
• Mate (2nd, 3rd) - Near Coastal / Oceans/ Inland / Rivers / Great Lakes
• Chief Mate - Near Coastal/ Oceans/ Inland/ Rivers/ Great Lakes (500 GT/1600 GT/Unlimited)
• Master (Captain) - Near Coastal/ Oceans/ Inland/Rivers/ Great Lakes (500 GT/1600 GT/Unlimited)
• First Class Pilot

Engineering Careers

• Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)
• Electro Technical Rating
• Able Seafarer Engine
• Assistant Engineer: (2nd, 3rd, Limited, Designated Duty Engineer DDE)
• Second Engineer
• Chief Engineer
• Electro Technical Officer

Career in the Marine Industry

Trained workforce is one of the essential requirements of this industry. Careful management of a vessel or an offshore drilling platform is critical and the personnel involved need to have highest quality training which is an ongoing exercise. The maritime industry is one of the best paymasters and the workforce enjoys a good work life balance. 

Apart from the seagoing or offshore career, there are plenty of options for the workforce to engage onshore where some of the important activities take place such as:

• Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture
• Marine Surveying
• Port Management & Engineering
• Coastal Management & Engineering
• Maritime Business Management
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Transportation & Distribution
• Technical Maintenance Services
• and many more..

Maritime Education and Training in the United States

United States is in the fore front of training its marine personnel and has established some of the best marine education and training institutions and systems. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) along with United States Coast Guard (USCG) plays an important role in administering, regulating and licensing these activities. We have compiled a list of top maritime education and training institutions in the U.S. 

LAST UPDATED ON Sep 5, 2023