United States Merchant Marine Academy is a federal service academy (1 of 5) that educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers of exemplary character who serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. With 95 percent of the world's products transported over water, these leaders are vital to the effective operation of our merchant fleet for both commercial and military transport during war and peace. Academy graduates abide by the motto “Acta Non Verba" - deeds not words, and are leaders that exemplify the concept of service above self. Known for its rigorous academic program, USMMA requires more credit hours for a baccalaureate degree than any other Federal service academy. This challenging coursework is augmented by the Academy’s Sea year experience, which affords midshipmen the opportunity to acquire hands-on, real-world experiences aboard working commercial vessels sailing to ports around the world. Midshipmen who master this demanding curriculum earn a unique combination of credentials: -An highly-regarded Bachelor of Science degree -A U.S. Coast Guard license -An officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces For this reason, Academy graduates are highly sought after as officers in the military and the merchant marine. This merchant fleet of efficient and productive commercial ships owned by U.S. companies and registered and operated under the American flag, forms an essential part of our domestic and international transportation system. U.S. Merchant Marine graduates play a key role in this industry, which is vital to America’s economy and continued prosperity. All graduates have a service obligation upon graduation that provides the most career options offered by any of the federal academy. Graduates can choose to work five years in the United States maritime industry with eight years of service as an officer in any reserve unit of the armed forces. Or five years active duty in any of the...