Maritime Engineering Officer

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy is one of only six state maritime academies in the country. The Engineering Officer program is a blend of traditional book learning with vocational training. This blended style of hands-on education works well for many people. When a ship is underway it is essentially a floating city, and Maritime Engineers keep that city floating and running. If someone were to walk onto a ship as an ordinary sailor it would take them 10-12 years to work up the ladder to being an officer. Students in the Great Lakes Maritime Academy program graduate in 3 to 4 years with a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Technology, their Merchant Marine Officer license (3rd assistant engineer) Unlimited Horsepower, and their Steam and Diesel endorsement, as well as any other credentials they earn while in Traverse City.

Studying to be a Maritime Engineer is a good investment of both time and money. Not only is there a mariner shortage across the US, but the Great Lakes Maritime Academy has a wonderful reputation in the industry, so all cadets will graduate with at least one job offer. Most will have 3. Over 75% of the world’s goods are still moved through shipping somehow, and there has been recent significant growth of the cruise industry. Maritime Engineering Officers, first-year graduates’ average salary is about $80,000 and climbs from there with options for overtime and career advancement.

The Great Lakes Maritime Academy prepares students for the challenge of operating commercial ships of any horsepower, steam or diesel, on the Great Lakes and oceans as merchant marine officers. Engineering officers are responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of engines and support machinery aboard ship. The vessel may be diesel powered with multiple engines or turbine powered operating on high pressure steam, capable of generating thousands of horsepower. The Marine Engineer must understand these systems and keep them operating 24/7. Engineering Officers are also responsible for the ship’s business as associated with all onboard equipment and mechanical aspects of the vessel.