2019-2020 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Seamanship Associate of Science


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This program is designed to prepare individuals to become sailors, small motorboat operators, and to pass the United States Coast Guard (USCG) examination to receive a USCG Master or Mate license with a scope of 25-100 gross tons. Fieldwork is conducted throughout Southern California and the Channel Islands from Dana Point and Newport harbors. Boats include 28 to 48-foot sailing and power vessels, as well as safety sail training and introductory boating experience on Saddleback’s fleet of 14-foot Capri sailboats.

The Seamanship program will provide individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills to perform work on a vessel in an entry level position in the maritime industry, such as an ordinary seaman. An ordinary seaman employed in the maritime industry works as a deckhand on commercial vessels and is responsible for keeping the vessel and its equipment in working order.

After completing the Seamanship program and meeting minimum sea time requirements, individuals will be eligible to take a US Coast Guard exam for advancement to Able Seaman. Those meeting the USCG requirements and having enough deck service time may also qualify for a Merchant Mariner’s Credential.

Individuals should be aware that there are high regulatory and security requirements for employment and that most water transportation jobs also require the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) from the Transportation Security Administration.

Program Student Learning Outcomes


Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate intermediate sailing skills, including basic maneuvers, navigational strategies, marlinspike seamanship techniques, anchoring techniques, and line handling.
  • Demonstrate understanding of nautical terms, marine weather, points of sail and maneuvers, and demonstrate proficiency in their practical use.
  • Demonstrate understanding of basic emergency and proper boating safety techniques and procedures.

Required Courses:


Total Units for the Major: 21.5-23


Associate of Science Degree


Complete a minimum of 60 units including the total number of units described above and the General Education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 to qualify for the Associate of Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College..

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees


Refer to the Graduation Requirements  or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.

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