San Jac College’s Maritime Program prepares students for careers on the water through hands-on training, industry credentials and real-world experience. According to John Stauffer,
Associate Vice Chancellor at San Jacinto College, the program is designed for students at different stages of their maritime careers.
“The San Jacinto College Maritime Program is designed for individuals seeking careers on the water, from those new to maritime work to experienced mariners needing advanced or refresher
training,” says Stauffer.
Students can earn several credentials through the program. These include an Associate of Applied Science in Maritime Transportation, which includes 11 United States Coast Guard
(USCG) certificates. Students can also complete a Maritime Transportation Occupational Certificate with six.
“Students can also earn USCG certificates by completing any of our 55 Coast Guard-approved continuing education courses,” says Stauffer.
Graduates often work aboard commercial vessels. Many begin as deckhands or crew members and later advance to positions such as mate or master, according to Stauffer.
Hands-on training is a major part of the program. Students train at San Jac’s 45,000-square-foot maritime campus and complete internships aboard commercial vessels.
“At our campus, students use simulators, a fire field for shipboard training and an aquatic center for water survival training,” says Stauffer, “students also train on small boats for boat handling
and safety.”
All degree and certificate pathways begin in the fall semester. The associate degree takes about six semesters to complete. The Certificate of technology takes five semesters, while the
Occupational Certificate can be completed in two semesters.
The program also helps meet workforce needs in the Houston area. Houston is home to Port Houston, one of the nation’s busiest ports, and Texas leads the United States in maritime freight
movement.
“The San Jac Maritime Program supports regional workforce demand by preparing mariners for jobs critical to national and global supply chains,” says Stauffer.
Students interested in the program can attend upcoming events such as the Maritime and Logistics Youth Expo on March 27, 2026
Stauffer encourages students to explore maritime career paths, tour the campus early and prepare for the fast-paced, hands-on environment of the industry.
For more information visit https://www.sanjac.edu/information-for/business-partners/maritime/
