FTV Standing Watch on the Bridge

While standing the navigational watch on a training ship such as the Kennedy, there are many obvious differences between the commercial world and on our ship. On a commercial ship there would be only one or two people in the wheel house (bridge) of the ship at any given time. On our ship during the navigational watch we have anywhere from 18-25 people on the bridge team for a watch. This hands on type of training assures that all of the cadets experience the different procedures handled by the Bridge.

Each cadet is cycled through all of the responsibilities of the bridge team. With six to seven 1\C seniors on the bridge. Underclassmen work in small groups headed by a senior to observe, help and ask any questions that may arise throughout the watch. Even though many of the freshman are not planning on pursuing their degree in Marine Transportation, it gives each cadet the opportunity to take the helm of the ship and the opportunity to learn about each piece of bridge instrumentation  that are practiced on deck watch.

  

A Marine Transportation Major at MMA prepares students for careers as licensed ship's deck officers, as well as allowing them to easily transfer into management and operations positions within the transportation, inter-modal and petroleum industries.

Marine Transportation majors receive extensive theoretical education and practical training in navigation, seamanship, ship construction, design, and damage control. Students train on ship simulators and sail on Academy training vessels.

Can a solid piece of clay, which normally sinks in fresh water, be used to build a boat that will float and carry a cargo? 

Can a freighter successfully navigate the Rouge River to a newly constructed steel mill? 

Design and build a boat that must support a Lego man.

WHAT IS A COMPASS ROSE? 

Try your hand at the helm with this ship simulator

How did they navigate in ancient times?

Steer the ship game