STRATEGIC SEALIFT OFFICER PROGRAM SSOP Brief Overview for

STRATEGIC SEALIFT OFFICER PROGRAM (SSOP) Brief Overview for Prospective Students 1

What is the Merchant Marine? The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of U. S. civilian-owned merchant vessels, operated by either the government or the private sector, that engage in commerce or transportation of goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States. 2

What is the Strategic Sealift Officer Program? Program is made up of qualified, licensed merchant marine officers who are ready and available to augment the U. S. Navy when needed in time of crisis, conflicts or wars. 3

What is a USCG Unlimited License (Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)? Licensed ship’s officer aboard any vessel of any size, tonnage/ horsepower Deck License Engine License 4

Where are we and what do we do? The officers of the program are throughout the U. S. Maritime industry in sea going jobs or shore side positions. These are civilian careers. Because most in the program are holding sea going positions the reserve requirement is only 2 weeks every year for 8 years following graduation 5

Student Incentive Payment (SIP)_ Program MARAD’s Maritime Education and Training Programs Students must apply and qualify for the program Payments of $4, 000 per semester for no more than 4 academic years ($32, 000 total) Payments are used to defray the costs of uniforms, books and subsistence 6

Basic Overview of Obligation U. S. Navy Obligation 8 years in U. S. Navy Reserve Maintain a license for at least 6 years Work 5 years in Maritime Industry Submit Annual Report (via NSIPS) OR when changes need to be made Annual Physical (PHA) and Semi-Annual Fitness Test (PFA) MARAD Obligation Work 3 years in the Maritime Industry (sailing, unless MARAD approves other employment) Maintain a license for at least 6 years Submit Annual report for 6 years to MARAD of employment and Navy Obligation being fulfilled 7

Additional Requirements NROTC Program (Battalion): 3 Naval Science Courses: NVSC 101 - Introduction to Naval Science, NVSC - 204 Naval Science for the Strategic Sealift Officer and NVSC 402 - Leadership and Ethics Battalion PT (2 x per week): Tuesday and Thursday early mornings Leadership Lab (1 x per week): Wednesday late afternoons USCG License Program: Meet all STCW Requirements All License courses Sea Time 8