Overview
This competency-based program will provide an individual with the requisite knowledge, skills, work habits and attitude to perform work on a vessel as an entry level deckhand. Job tasks include handling lines, performing routine vessel and gear maintenance, participating in drills, performing galley duties, standing watches, and becoming part of a working crew in a close quarters environment. Course curriculum follows industry needs as presented by the Maritime Science Department advisory committee. Classes are taught in a practical atmosphere and employ extensive use of a training vessel. This program will be of interest to people who desire a professional career path with advancement opportunities that are in a non-traditional setting. Students completing this program will be qualified to work as crewmembers on research vessels, merchant ships, tugs, charter and passenger vessels, and commercial fishing vessels. Professional credentialing is available to students who meet US Coast Guard requirements.
Employment Opportunities
The job outlook for crewmembers in the maritime industry is good regionally, nationally, and globally. Entry level deckhands work on a wide range of vessels performing a variety of tasks. Contracts often require crewmember to work twelve hour days for weeks or months at a time while away from home.
Potential Earning
Wages for sailors and marine oilers average $17.00 per hour. Captains and mates may earn 3 to 4 times as much, depending upon experience.
Role Description
The Vessel Operations degree is designed for the person who intends to be employed in higher level positions within the maritime industry.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Learning experiences in the degree program are designed to assist the student in realizing the following outcomes:
- Perform the duties of a “lookout” on a vessel.
- Perform the duties of a “helmsman” on a vessel under the officer of the watch.
- Exhibit safe work habits in daily and emergency situations on the deck of a vessel.
- Operate and maintain deck equipment on a vessel both in port and at sea.
- Plan and organize voyage and modify voyage plan enroute to reach destination safely.
- Recognize changes to the handling and stability characteristics of a vessel; make calculations necessary to solve handling, loading, and stability safety issues.
- Knowledge of routine navigational procedures and deck operations. Preparation to become a functioning crew member when reporting on board a vessel.
- Knowledge of the items required for inspected vessel compliance with Coast Guard regulations. Knowledge in the use of CFRs to determine vessel requirements. Prepare vessels for Coast Guard examination.
- Principles of ship handling and the ability to safely operate vessels in varied environments.
Planner
Year One
Fall
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| Or | |
| MTH060 | Pre-Algebra | 4 |
| | |
| MAS100 | Maritime Occupations | 2 |
| MAS135 | STCW Basic Training | 3 |
| MAS168 | Charts, Aids to Navigation, and Marine Compasses | 3 |
| MAS181 | Seamanship I | 2 |
| MAS193 | Intro to Engine Room Maintenance and Safety | 2 |
Note: 16 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
Winter
| MTH065 | Mathematics for Applied Sciences | 4 |
| IT140 | Industrial Safety | 1 |
| MAS155 | Intro to Watchkeeping | 2 |
| MAS175 | Rules of the Road | 3 |
| MAS182 | Seamanship II | 2 |
| MAS183 | Seamanship III | 2 |
| MAS208 | Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch | 2 |
Note: 16 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
Spring
| MAS207 | Leadership and Managerial Skills | 4 |
| Or | |
| PSY101 | Psychology of Human Relations | 3 |
| | |
| MAS138 | STCW Proficiency in Survival Craft | 2 |
| MAS170 | Marine Weather, Tides, Currents, and Waves | 3 |
| MAS184 | Galley Cooking | 2 |
| MAS189 | Applied Rigging Technology | 2 |
| MAS190 | Vessel Practicum | 1 |
| MAS192 | Intro to Deck Machinery and Safety | 2 |
Note: 16 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
General Education classes can be taken during other terms.
Year Two
Fall
| HM120 | Hazwoper Training | 1 |
| MAS130 | Radar Observer: Original Endorsement | 2 |
| MAS164 | Intro to Navigation | 3 |
| MAS165 | Practical Navigation | 2 |
| MAS180 | Marine Electronics | 2 |
| MAS190 | Vessel Practicum | 1 |
| MAS201 | Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids | 3 |
Note: 14 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
Winter
| WR227Z | Technical Writing | 4 |
| Social Science/Humanities | 3 |
| MAS171 | Coastal Navigation and Voyage Planning | 3 |
| MAS186 | Small Vessel Operations I | 2 |
| MAS187 | Small Vessel Operations II | 2 |
| MAS188 | Small Vessel Operations III | 2 |
Note: 16 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
Spring
| GS104 | Physical Science - Physics | 4 |
| Or | |
| GS106 | Physical Science - Geology | 4 |
| Or | |
| GS109 | Physical Science - Meteorology | 4 |
| Or | |
| Any Physical Science Course | 4 |
| | |
| MAS190 | Vessel Practicum | 1 |
| Or | |
| MAS191 | Deckhand Practicum | 1 |
| Or | |
| Welding | 1 |
| | |
| MAS121 | Able Seaman Training | 4 |
| MAS124 | 200 Ton Master Training | 6 |
| MAS191 | Deckhand Practicum | 1 |
Note: 16 credits required during this term to complete AAS in two calendar years.
Any Welding class accepted.