Sea Training: Deck

CRU 100 Sea Training I

This evolution addresses skills required of Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. Students develop internationally mandated skills by practicing on shipboard equipment. They steer the ship, keep a proper lookout, monitor and control conditions for safety, operate emergency equipment, and demonstrate emergency procedures. These skills are evaluated by shipboard officers trained to assess International Standards of Watch Keeping. Students must also demonstrate competencies in emergency and occupational safety, basic personal survival, and procedures to prevent pollution of the marine environment. In addition, they acquire a basic knowledge of deck maintenance and tools used on deck. Small boat operation skills are also developed, particularly in anchor ports.

CRU 200 Sea Training II (Commercial)

While aboard a commercial vessel for a period of at least 60 days, cadets are given a series of projects to perform and an extensive written report to prepare on their experiences. The report covers many components of navigation, seamanship, labor relations, human relations, and safe cargo handling and stowage.
This report is assessed for completeness and accuracy by an assigned faculty member after the end of the commercial cruise. The student must meet departmental commercial cruise policy, which includes maintaining a 2.0 GPA in selected professional courses and adhering to disciplinary and academic probation requirements. For more information, the student should see the special prerequisites listed under the CRU 200 course description.

CRU 300 Sea Training III

This evolution addresses skills required of Officer in Charge of the Navigational Watch. During this final cruise, students must demonstrate competence in skills established by international standards. These include planning and conducting a passage; determining the ship’s position by celestial, terrestrial and electronic means; and maintaining a safe navigational watch. Students are assessed in their ability to respond promptly and properly to shipboard emergencies and to distress situations on other vessels. Cadets must also demonstrate adequate skills in maneuvering the ship. At the end of this cruise, they should be qualified to perform the duties of licensed deck officers at sea, with the exception of watchstanding skills to be assessed by full mission simulator afterward.