They graduate to six figure salaries, and grueling work

"“This is the first ship purposely built for training cadets,” he said. “This isn't just a working ship, this is a school on water.” SUNY Maritime is one of six state-run maritime academies in the country. Most are run like quasi-military academies. Students wear uniforms, follow regimented schedules, and learn through a curriculum that blends traditional engineering and seamanship coursework with the Coast Guard-required licensing classes students need to work aboard a ship."

"“Each student is required to do three summer sea terms to accumulate their 360 days of sea time,” Murphy explained, “required to sit for the license.” A U.S. Coast Guard license can open the door to lucrative careers in the maritime industry, and right now, the country doesn't have nearly enough people who hold one. Most students pursue one of two tracks. One leads to positions running a ship's systems and the engine room. The other is focused on seamanship and maritime shipping."

"Opportunities for work are wide and varied; from cargo ships to oil tankers, from the private sector to government work supplying ships in the U.S. Navy. Without enough mariners, navy ships could run dry in days Industry groups say there are roughly 8,000 open positions across the U.S. maritime sector. More than 5,000 are with the Military Sealift Command, the federal agency responsible for keeping Navy ships stocked with fuel, food, and ammunition in waters around the world."

The Empire State VII, a 530-foot, nine-deck vessel, is prepared for an annual summer teaching cruise departing from Fort Schuyler in the Bronx. The ship is built specifically for training cadets and functions as a school on water. SUNY Maritime College is one of six state-run maritime academies, many of which operate with quasi-military structure, uniforms, and regimented schedules. Students combine engineering and seamanship coursework with Coast Guard-required licensing classes. Each student completes three summer sea terms to accumulate 360 days of sea time and qualify for licensing. A Coast Guard license supports careers across cargo, oil, private industry, and government work supplying Navy ships. Industry groups report about 8,000 open maritime positions, including more than 5,000 with the Military Sealift Command, which keeps Navy ships stocked worldwide.

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