Maritime

Career/Technical Certificate Continuing Education

Are you ready to learn what it takes to be a mariner? We are a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. 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!

Career 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

Earning Potential

Sailors and Marine Oilers: $61,964
Captains, Mates, and Pilots: $120,250

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

Locations

Maritime Campus, which includes a 45,000-square-foot building, high-tech engineering simulators, a training dock, and an industry dock.

Maritime Deck and Engine, Courses

Continuing Education

Jumpstart your maritime career or advance in your current profession with these U.S. Coast Guard certified continuing and professional development courses. From personal survival techniques to fire fighting to radar observation, you can find everything you need to enhance your maritime career with our deck and engine courses.

Under 3 Months

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

IMPORTANT LINKS

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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.

1 Year

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

IMPORTANT LINKS

Apply

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

Apply

The United States Coast Guard is launching a new 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

Ready to take the plunge with maritime?

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 late evening hours.

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

The Maritime Technology and Training Center

Mariners in Training

Maritime Student at Sea

Students training with a fire hose

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.