Maritime

Career/Technical Certificate Continuing Education

Are you ready to learn what it takes to be a mariner? Our programs are designed to prepare graduates for both entry-level positions and advancement in current careers on all types of ships. Earn your sea legs today!

Nationally Recognized Maritime Training

Train at Texas' only federally recognized Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. This national recognition reflects the strength of our maritime programs and industry partnerships.

Train on the Water, Not Just in a Classroom

Learn at a waterfront campus with training vessels, a dedicated dock, industry-standard equipment and high-tech simulators. Build the skills you need for a rewarding career on the water, at the port, or beyond.

Learn From Experienced Mariners

Our licensed captains and industry pros bring real-world experience to class. Learn the skills employers value through hands-on instruction in seamanship, vessel operations, navigation, and safety.

Follow a Flexible Path Into Maritime

Choose the path that fits your goals. Start with a certificate or go straight into the AAS degree. Each step builds skills for success in the maritime industry.

Careers

Deckhand

$46,700

Tank Barge PIC

$78,600

100 Ton Master

$81,200

Opportunities

With a degree or certificate in maritime transportation, you can find a career as a:

Captain
Mate
Pilot
Tankerman
Deckhand
Member of the engineering department

Locations

Maritime Campus located on the turning basin of the Houston Ship Channel. Campus includes a 45,000-square-foot building, high-tech engineering simulators, a training dock, and an industry dock.

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Salary Source: Lightcast (median)

Maritime Continuing Education Courses

Continuing Education

Get your continuing education courses at San Jac. We offer more than 50 USCG-approved courses for working mariners. From personal survival techniques to firefighting to radar observation, you can find everything you need to enhance your maritime career.

Under 3 Months

These courses vary in length and contact hours, but each course is completed in less than 3 months.

These courses are for working commercial mariners.

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Maritime Transportation, AAS

Career/Technical

Chart your course in the maritime industry with an Associate of Applied Science degree designed by mariners, for mariners. Gain hands-on training in seamanship, vessel operations, and safety from licensed captains and experienced professionals—building the skills and confidence to launch your future at sea.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in six terms, including two summer terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

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Maritime Transportation, Certificate of Technology

Certificate

The Certificate of Technology provides you with USCG-approved instruction to help you become a capable, knowledgeable mariner. You’ll complete hands-on courses that can prepare you to enter the field or continue your education by pursuing the AAS degree.

2 Years

If you're studying part-time, you can complete the 35 credits for this certificate in five terms, including one summer term.

IMPORTANT LINKS

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Maritime Transportation, Occupational Certificate

Certificate

The Occupational Certificate gives you USCG-approved instruction that introduces you to the maritime field. You’ll complete hands-on courses that prepare you to enter the industry or continue toward the Certificate of Technology or AAS degree.

1 Year

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 18 credits for this certificate in two terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

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Upon completion of this program, you'll be prepared to begin your career in the field.

Join us for a free information session to learn what it takes to become a mariner. During this session, you will:

Get an inside look at the maritime transportation industry.
Learn about our credit maritime transportation program.
Tour our beautiful facility and state-of-the-art simulators.
Hear real-world sea stories from our U.S. Coast Guard-approved instructors.

Information sessions are held on designated pre-scheduled days. Sessions are available in person, online, and during evening hours.

Please note that registration is required, and attendance is mandatory for all prospective students interested in the maritime credit programs.

The United States Coast Guard is launching a Lateral Entry Beta Test to fill critical workforce gaps. The initiative is designed to bring experienced professionals into key roles faster and at ranks that match their skills. By streamlining recruiting and training, the service aims to strengthen mission readiness for the years ahead.

Lateral Entry Program

Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

How does the Maritime program prepare you for careers on the water?

The Maritime program prepares you for careers on the water through hands-on training and U.S. Coast Guard–approved instruction. You’ll learn skills in vessel operations, safety, and seamanship used in maritime jobs.

Training includes hands-on work and simulations that reflect real conditions at sea.

Where will I train?

You’ll train at San Jac's Maritime Campus, a waterfront facility with simulators, vessels, and a training dock designed for hands-on learning. The campus gives you real-world experience in a setting built for maritime training.

Is this program hands-on?

Yes. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through simulations, onboard training, and real-world scenarios to help you build practical skills.

Can I start with a certificate and continue toward a degree?

Yes. You can begin with the Maritime Transportation Occupational Certificate, continue into the Certificate of Technology, and then earn the AAS degree.

Each step builds your skills as you progress.

Will I earn any certifications?

Yes. The program includes U.S. Coast Guard–approved training and internationally recognized STCW certifications. Graduates can apply for the Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).

What careers can this program lead to?

Graduates can work as:

deckhands
tankermen
mates
captains
engineering roles on vessels and in port operations.

San Jacinto College Student with Advisor

At San Jac, you’re never alone. Our teams ensure you have the support you need to achieve your academic goals.

Financial Aid Academic Support Personal Support

The Maritime Technology and Training Center

Mariners in Training

Maritime Student at Sea

Students training with a fire hose

Student Testimonial

The Maritime program at San Jac taught me real-life application in the field I was getting my degree in. When I graduated, I was ready for the workforce immediately with the knowledge that allowed me to apply for numerous opportunities.

Miles Douglas
Boat Operator, GalTex Pilots

Maritime in the News

Students give back through creative projects

DEC 2

San Jacinto College’s maritime programs partners with MM-SEAS to streamline USCG licensing for students

MAY 6

San Jac receives NAMEPA award for maritime stewardship

OCT 25

Navigating Innovation

Maritime technologies are rapidly evolving. That’s why we’ve invested millions in cutting edge technology to help the Houston maritime community push the boundaries of what’s possible at sea.

San Jacinto College’s simulation … tools enable advanced team training of ship pilots and tug operators in projects that propel America’s capacity to export energy.”

George Burkley

Executive Director of the Maritime Pilot’s Institute

In partnership with Burkley and the Houston pilots, San Jac has enabled some of the industry’s most respected names to conduct research at our three state-of-the-art, full-mission bridge simulators. These simulators feature 65 hydro-dynamically accurate vessels that mariners can operate in 10 regions worldwide.