Massachusetts Maritime Academy Launches New Training Ship
The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) has announced an exciting new chapter in maritime education with the inaugural schedule for its latest training vessel, the TS Patriot State. This ship is part of a new initiative by the Maritime Administration to enhance training opportunities at state maritime colleges. Delivered to the Academy last fall, the Patriot State is set to embark on its first training cruise to the Caribbean on January 11, 2024. This voyage is expected to last until the end of February, providing cadets with invaluable hands-on experience in maritime operations.
Excitement Builds for Sea Term
Since the arrival of the Patriot State, the atmosphere at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy has been charged with anticipation. Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, the president of MMA, expressed the enthusiasm felt across the campus. He noted that the Sea Term is a critical learning opportunity for students, offering a glimpse into careers within the shipping and maritime industries. The new vessel promises to enhance this experience significantly. “The whole range of opportunities associated with a maritime life will be on full display,” McDonald stated, highlighting the immersive nature of the training.
Sea Term is a mandatory component for all freshmen and sophomore cadets majoring in Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation, as well as freshmen in Energy Systems Engineering. Senior Deck and Engine majors also participate. During this voyage, cadets engage in various activities, including laboratory training, routine maintenance, ship operations, and emergency drills. This hands-on experience is crucial for fulfilling the days at sea requirement necessary to sit for the United States Coast Guard exam. The Patriot State will serve as a state-of-the-art training platform, ensuring that cadets receive a world-class education in maritime operations.
Preparing for the Voyage
In preparation for the upcoming voyage, cadets will participate in Alongside Week from January 6 to 10. This traditional period involves loading the vessel with essential supplies, food, and training equipment. Captain Michael J. Campbell, an MMA graduate from the class of 1987, will lead the Sea Term. The ship is scheduled to make several ports of call, including San Juan, Charleston, St. Thomas, and Tampa. The departure is planned for the high slack tide on January 11, with the first training exercise occurring outside Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, on January 17.
During this training exercise, marine transportation cadets will practice anchoring drills, while engineering cadets will focus on maneuvering operations in the engine room. The Patriot State is equipped with numerous training spaces, including eight classrooms, a full training bridge, lab spaces, and an auditorium. This ship can accommodate up to 600 cadets at sea, along with an additional 100 staff and crew members. The Patriot State replaces the Academy’s previous training ship, the TS Kennedy, and is part of a broader initiative that includes four additional training vessels. The first ship, the Empire State, has already completed its inaugural cruise, while the third vessel, the State of Maine, is set to be delivered in 2025.
