SUNY Maritime College

Did you know that during Summer Sea Term, cadets are responsible for maintenance projects and preservation work? Their days involve far more than standing watch on the Bridge or in Engineering spaces, or attending classes. Workdays are opportunities to develop responsibility, teamwork, and the professionalism expected of future mariners.

1/C Cadet Damian Scelba, CCO, used Captain Zola's personal sextant, which was gifted to him by his parents while he was a cadet.

Captain Zola carried this sextant aboard every ship for the first 25 years of his career, making this moment a meaningful connection between past and present generations of mariners.

“It’s great to see it back on deck taking sun lines,” said Captain Zola.

The 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙢 2026 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥 has reopened - 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 14.

Ordering for someone on 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺?
Select the “𝗣𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗨𝗽” option at checkout, and orders will be delivered directly to the Empire State VII for NYC Sail 250.

Ordering for yourself, family, or friends 𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞?
𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, and your order will be sent directly to the address provided at checkout.

𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀.

🔗 https://qrco.de/SST-Swag

During the transatlantic crossing, cadets assisted with the deployment of a Sofar Ocean buoy, an advanced tool used to collect critical oceanic and atmospheric data, including wave height, water temperature, currents, and wind conditions. By helping place and launch the buoy, cadets gained hands-on experience supporting real-world ocean research and environmental monitoring efforts that contribute to improved weather forecasting, maritime safety, and global navigation.

Opportunities like this highlight the important role the maritime industry plays in science, technology, and international operations.

Cadets play a vital role in responding to shipboard emergencies, including assisting injured shipmates alongside the Medical Staff. ⚕️

Recently, three upper-class and two under-class cadets gathered in Sick Bay for advanced training in patient movement techniques. This training included using a medical chair to safely transport individuals through the ladder wells. The 2026 Medical Muster Cadets have demonstrated excellent preparation and are ready to assist when needed.

Cadets applied their celestial navigation skills at sea, practicing everything from plotting positions to taking sights with a sextant.

Using traditional and modern navigation techniques, students learn how to safely navigate the world’s oceans through precision, problem-solving, and situational awareness.

This is hands-on training that connects centuries of maritime tradition with the next generation of maritime leaders.

Life as a Cadet aboard Empire State VII is built on responsibility, discipline, and teamwork.

Cadets stand watch, navigate open waters under the guidance of Master of the Empire State VII Captain Christopher Zola'92, participate in safety drills, and learn the day-to-day operations of a working vessel—all while supporting their shipmates and growing into future maritime leaders.

For parents and families, these are the moments where confidence and professionalism begin to take shape. For alumni, it is a reminder of the experiences that defined their own time at sea. And for prospective students, it is a firsthand look at the hands-on training that sets Maritime College apart.

When emergencies happen at sea, preparation makes all the difference! 🚨

Cadets responded to a cargo container fire. In the training scenarios, they use a Halligan tool to breach the container, followed by a fire hose lance to pe*****te and suppress the simulated fire within. Cadets also utilized thermal imaging technology to assess conditions inside the smoke-filled container and improve situational awareness in low-visibility environments. Exercises like these continue to build the teamwork, technical knowledge, and emergency response capabilities essential for future maritime professionals.

It’s not too late! Adventure awaits at Maritime Adventure Camp! ⚓

From hands-on waterfront activities to team building and maritime exploration, campers in Grades 5–9 will experience a memorable summer on the water.

📅 Session 3: July 27 – August 7
⚠️ LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
🔗 Register online: waterfront.coursestorm.com

See you there!

Thank you to Charleston's 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙧 for highlighting Summer Sea Term 2026, our cadets, and the hands-on training that prepares the next generation of maritime leaders.

🔗 https://qrco.de/bgpg6c