Academic Catalogs

Professional Mariner, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_MRPM

Control Number: 33902

Financial Aid Eligible


The Professional Mariner degree prepares students for careers in the maritime industry in Southern California and around the world in private or commercial vessel operations: large private yachts, charter yachts, cruise ships, passenger ferries, sport fishing, commercial fishing, whale watching, dive boats, supply vessels, work boats, tug boats, and commercial shipping. These vessels must operate with qualified crew so the curriculum for the Orange Coast College Professional Mariner program was developed with guidance from an Advisory Council of maritime industry professionals who ranked skills and knowledge that they require in their deck crew. Upon completion of the program, there are employment opportunities with competitive salary.

Students must be able to swim 50 yards and tread water for 10 minutes. Previous boating experience is advantageous but not required. Facility fees will be charged.

Program Outcomes

  1. Communicate verbally and in writing in a clear manner and with correct nautical protocol.
  2. Identify maritime career paths along with required U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements.
  3. Demonstrate safe operation and maintenance of vessels.
  4. Demonstrate prevention and safety response in First Aid, Personal Survival and Social Responsibility at sea, as well as fire prevention and response.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Courses
MARA A136Introduction to Sailing1
or MARA A137 Intermediate Sailing - Intro to Keel Boats
MARA A150Coastal Navigation3
MARA A151Maritime Industry2
MARA A152Boat Handling and Seamanship3
MARA A153Marine Basic Safety Training4
MARA A154Yachtkeeping and Engine Maintenance2
MARA A156Maritime Environment2
MARA A157Radar Observer2
MARA A200
MARA A201
Professional Mariner Internship
and Professional Mariner Internship Lecture 1
3
Total Units22
1

Courses must be taken concurrently.

Requirement Units
Program Major Units 22
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3 Varies
Transferable electives to satisfy unit requirement Varies
Total Degree Units 60

Professional Mariner Suggested Electives:

Any Foreign Language course
Any Marine Science or Oceanography course
FN A185 Cultural Foods
MARA A210 USCG License Exam Preparation
MATH A170 Precalculus
MATH A180 Calculus 1

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
MARA A156 Maritime Environment 2
MARA A151 Maritime Industry 2
MARA A152 Boat Handling and Seamanship 3
MARA A136
Introduction to Sailing
or Intermediate Sailing - Intro to Keel Boats
1
OCC AS GE AREA A1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA A2 - CHOOSE ONE 1 3-4
 Units14-15
Semester 2
MARA A153 Marine Basic Safety Training 4
MARA A154 Yachtkeeping and Engine Maintenance 2
MARA A150 Coastal Navigation 3
MARA A157 Radar Observer 2
OCC AS GE AREA B - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
 Units14-15
Year 2
Semester 1
MARA A200 Professional Mariner Internship 2
MARA A201 Professional Mariner Internship Lecture 1
OCC AS GE AREA C1 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C2 - CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3
 Units15
Semester 2
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 3-4
Intermediate Algebra (or higher) 2
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 14
 Units17-18
 Total Units60-63
1

OCC AS GE AREA A2 - Required if 100-level MATH will not be taken to meet Math competency. If MATH A100 or higher will be taken, then needs to take 3-4 degree applicable elective units 

2

Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AS Math Requirement and OCC AS GE AREA A2 

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS